Reality TV star Maura Higgins has ignited fireworks on the US edition of The Traitors, engaging in a heated confrontation with controversial actor and Friends alum Michael Rapaport. The explosive roundtable spat, which has aired across the first three episodes of the new season, has viewers firmly on the side of the Love Island legend.
The Roundtable Confrontation
During a tense episode of the celebrity-packed series, Higgins, 33, zeroed in on Rapaport's choice of words. The 55-year-old actor, known for playing Phoebe's boyfriend Gary on Friends, used the phrase "we got rid of" when discussing murdered contestants. Maura immediately pounced, directly accusing him of potentially being a Traitor.
"Why did you say, 'we got rid of'? Does that mean you're a Traitor?" she challenged. Rapaport attempted to defend himself, stating, "Let me tell you something, Maura. I'm as faithful as a faithful—" but was swiftly interrupted. Higgins retorted, "Why did you say 'we'? We didn't - the Traitors did."
The scrutiny didn't end there. Later, Top Chef star Kristen Kish also highlighted Rapaport's phrasing, telling him, "You literally said 'we'." His dismissive response was, "And I've said a lot of things," prompting Maura to mutter, "Maybe just stop talking," a moment that resonated widely with the audience.
Fan Reaction and Rapaport's Reputation
Viewers have overwhelmingly praised Maura Higgins for her fearless approach. On social media platform X, one fan declared, "Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favoritest part of the new season of #TheTraitorsUS." Another wrote, "It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us #TheTraitorsUS."
Many criticised Rapaport's demeanour, with a third viewer commenting, "producers probably figured michael rapaport would make for good tv bc he’s so easy to ragebait but he’s actually just ruining this season because he’s quite literally insufferable." Rapaport is no stranger to headlines, often for his outspoken political views as a pro-Israel advocate and his fierce critiques of figures like New York mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Maura's Game Plan and Fellow Contestants
In a recent revelation about her strategy, Maura Higgins outlined a deliberately bold approach. "Well, I'm starting off wearing a cape. So... I'm hoping I'm a Traitor and I hope to kill everyone one by one," she said. "If someone comes for me at the round table, God love them. Sounds a bit traitor-y to me. I speak my mind. I'm not really a shadow kind of girl." She later laughed, acknowledging, "That sounded really devious, didn't it?"
She is competing on the show alongside other notable personalities, including Shirley Ballas's son Mark, Donna Kelce (mother of NFL star Travis Kelce), and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna. The series, which premiered on 11 January 2026, continues to air in the United States, with UK fans eagerly following the drama online.
