MICHAEL Rapaport’s explosive comments about a castmate on The Traitors sent shockwaves through the castle and straight up to NBC’s main powerhouse players, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal.
Insiders have now revealed whether the outspoken actor will face consequences for his controversial comments toward Colton Underwood.
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Michael Rapaport furiously goes after Colton Underwood at The Traitors roundtableCredit: Peacock
Colton Underwood looked deflated after Michael’s comment, which many took as a jab at his sexualityCredit: Peacock
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD:
Michael, 55, has been accused of making “bigoted” and “offensive” comments toward the former Bachelor on the latest episode of The Traitors,
Many fans have called for him to be banned from appearing on future Bravo and Peacock shows, including Andy Cohen‘s talk show, Watch What Happens Live.
Sources exclusively tell The U.S. Sun that some network executives were “disgusted” by the remark, but that doesn’t mean Michael will get the punishment many fans feel he deserves.
“Some higher ups at Bravo were just as disgusted as the audience by that comment.
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“It’s indefensible if that’s how he meant it and even Michael feels bad. He apologized to the big bosses for losing it as much as he did and maintains he did not mean it in any offensive way.”
Despite the backlash, insiders say NBC and Bravo are not planning to cut ties with the podcast host.
“That being said, they don’t feel it’s bad enough for him to be banned from the network or even banned from Watch What Happens Live,” the source said.
However, accountability is still very much part of the plan for the controversial contestant, as the insider added: “Andy [Cohen] absolutely plans on addressing the comment at the reunion and will hold Michael accountable.
“If he’s apologetic for it, which he has seemed to be remorseful of so far, then his punishment won’t be too intense.”
Behind the scenes, executives are said to be walking a careful line, balancing fan outrage with Michael’s willingness to own his mistake.
“He knows he went too far. That’s why this is more about a pause, if anything, than a permanent punishment. But as of right now, he’s not even facing a pause.”
For now, Michael remains in NBC’s good graces but all eyes will be on the Traitors reunion, where Bravo boss Andy plans to address the controversy head-on.
UNDER FIRE
Michael’s comments on the latest episode of The Traitors caused quite a stir as many perceived it as a dig on Colton’s sexuality.
The comedian’s name had repeatedly been thrown into the mix when discussing who should be banished from the castle, with Colton leading the conversation of why he should get the boot.
In an attempt to argue back on why he deserves to stay, one comment from Michael seemed to convince everyone, on both the cast and viewers watching at home, that Michael needed to go when the TV star mentioned Colton’s sexuality.
Michael lost it at the roundtable and his comments made his fellow faithfuls also lose hope in himCredit: Peacock
Other Traitors stars appeared visibly upset by Michael’s commentCredit: Peacock
“I’m angry, I’m p****d off, and I’m isolated because of him,” Michael furiously yelled, referencing the previous night’s roundtable, while repeatedly pointing at Colton.
“And nobody in this room would be better at holding a secret than you,” he screamed, immediately raising eyebrows among the group.
“There it is,” Colton responded with a disappointing tone and appeared to look deflated, acknowledging Michael’s apparent dig at his past.
“You think it was fun for 29 years of my life? You think because I held a secret for 29 years, I must be a traitor?” Colton, who publicly struggled with his sexuality before coming out in 2021, clapped back.
The Traitors Season 4 Cast
The Traitors is bringing fans a star‑studded mix of reality royalty, Olympians, actors, and entertainers for a juicy blend of competitors to go along with fiery personalities. Here is the season 4 cast of the Peacock series:
Natalie Anderson – Reality vet: Survivor winner and Amazing Race competitor known for fierce gameplay
Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho – Reality champ: Survivor winner from Season 44
Maura Higgins – Love Island legend: Star of Love Island UK and host of Love Island USA: Aftersun
Donna Kelce – NFL: Mother of athletes Travis and Jason Kelce, future mother-in-law of Taylor Swift
Kristen Kish – Top Chef winner: Celebrity chef and TV host in the culinary world
Tara Lipinski – Olympic legend: Youngest Olympic and World Champion figure skater turned sports broadcaster
Dorinda Medley – Bravo star: Real Housewives of New York City alum and Traitors returnee
Tiffany Mitchell – Big Brother star: Strategic Big Brother competitor and alum of The Challenge
Monét X Change – Drag Race star: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner and pop culture favorite
Eric Nam – Singer/host: Korean‑American music artist and TV personality
Caroline Stanbury – Real Housewives of Dubai: British socialite and reality TV personality
Ian Terry – Big Brother Winner: Youngest winner in Big Brother history (Season 14)
Colton Underwood – Bachelor Nation: Former NFL player and The Bachelor lead
Johnny Weir – Olympic skater: Two‑time U.S. figure skating champ and fashion‑forward sports commentator
Lisa Rinna – Actress/Housewife: Actor and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum
Mark Ballas – Dancing With the Stars: Three‑time Mirrorball Trophy winner and renowned choreographer
Porsha Williams – Real Housewives of Atlanta: Reality TV star and talk show host
Candiace Dillard Bassett – Real Housewives of Potomac: RHOP alum and former Miss United States
Rob Cesternino – Survivor vet: Survivor fan-favorite and longtime reality podcast host of Rob Has a Podcast
Rob Rausch – Love Island USA: Popular Love Island star known for his charm and handsome looks
Ron Funches – Comedian/actor: Stand‑up comic and TV/voice actor
Stephen Colletti – Reality TV royalty: Actor from Laguna Beach and actor on One Tree Hill
Michael Rapaport – Actor/comedian: Known for film and TV roles and an outspoken personality on Bravo
Michael attempted to walk back his statement, saying that’s not what he meant, but his words were already ingrained in everyone’s ears.
Others came to Colton’s defense and asked Michael to clarify his remark, but he only doubled down, insisting that he believed his nemesis was a traitor.
However, the group widely agreed that they didn’t care whether or not Michael was a Traitor or Faithful and they just wanted him out of the castle.
Following Michael’s banishment, he took to Instagram and attempted to make amends with his comment one more time.
“It sucks but I felt backed into a corner and I tried to fight my way out of it. Maybe I fought too hard.
“I meant what I meant within the context of the game. It had nothing to do with his sexuality. I really sincerely apologize if I offended Colton or anybody in the house.
“That absolutely wasn’t my intention. I’m a fan of the game, I played hard, and I played a good game, except for when it went a little too far which sucks,” he wrote along with a clip of the controversial moment.
Colton Underwood was cast as The Bachelor in 2019 before publicly coming outCredit: Getty
Michael Rapaport is a regular on Bravo’s Watch What Happens LiveCredit: Getty
Colton and Michael, both pictured here with their cast mates, teamed up during the challenges before their falloutCredit: Getty