The Traitors Faces Backlash After Revealing New Cast
Why Michael Rapaport Has Fans Up in Arms
Reality competition shows like The Traitors thrive on unpredictable casting. You expect a chaotic mix of reality stars, athletes, and people who’ve been semi-famous for just long enough to want a comeback. That’s part of the appeal - throw them into a Scottish castle, stir in a game of lies and sabotage, and watch what happens.
But this time, one name in the Season 4 lineup has drawn more attention than the rest - and not in a good way. Peacock just dropped the cast list for Season 4 of The Traitors, and the internet wasted no time tearing into it.
The main target? Michael Rapaport. While the show usually gets away with tossing in a few unexpected names, this particular choice isn’t sitting well with fans. And if Peacock was aiming to stir up discussion, they’ve done that. Just maybe not the kind they were hoping for.
Rapaport was one of 23 contestants revealed so far, though if previous seasons are any indication, there could be a couple more last-minute additions before the game begins.
Regardless, his inclusion sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms. And it’s not about his acting career, which, let’s be honest, hasn’t been front and center in a long time.
Fans blasted Peacock for casting Rapaport, citing his racist and far-right comments as a bad fit for The Traitors.
The issue is Rapaport’s history of inflammatory comments, including the use of racist language and what many describe as a pattern of far-right rhetoric on his social media channels. That’s not exactly the energy the Traitors fanbase is looking for in a cast member. Fans were vocal, direct, and far from subtle in their reactions.
“Amazing Traitors cast sans Michael Rapaport. He’s a piece of sh*t and it’s extremely annoying that Bravo and Peacock keep giving him a platform,” one fan wrote bluntly on X (formerly Twitter).
Another posted, “Peacock and NBC continuing to platform Michael Rapaport as he spews bigoted hateful ideology is so dangerous. I desperately need him to be the first murder #TheTraitorsUS.”
commons.wikimedia[ADVERTISEMENT]
That’s just a small sample. Scroll through reactions, and it’s clear: the excitement that usually surrounds a new season announcement was quickly overshadowed by frustration, anger, and confusion. The consensus? People want him gone, ideally before the game even starts.
“Traitor or not, banish Michael Rapaport first,” someone else added, echoing a sentiment that’s gaining momentum across fan communities.
Despite the controversy, there are elements of this cast that fans do appreciate. There’s a noticeable increase in LGBTQ representation this time around, including names like Monet X Change, Kristen Kish, and Johnny Weir - each bringing a different flavor to the group dynamic.
And for Real Housewives fans, there’s plenty to celebrate, too. Dorinda Medley is back, and she’s not alone. She’s joined by fellow Housewives Larsa Pippen, Dolores Catania, Robyn Dixon, and Chanel Ayan.
[ADVERTISEMENT]
"Consider it official 😏 "
[ADVERTISEMENT]
This cast could’ve been an easy win, diverse, dramatic, and packed with personalities. But the decision to include Rapaport feels like a misstep that’s already taken some of the shine off what should have been a highly anticipated lineup.
There’s still a chance the season could recover. If the show leans into the backlash and doesn’t protect Rapaport from early elimination, that might help shift the mood. Fans want chaos and betrayal, yes, but they also want to root for players they can tolerate.
For now, the message online is loud and clear: a lot of viewers aren’t thrilled with how this season is shaping up. Whether that affects viewership or just fuels the drama remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: if The Traitors wanted people talking, they got their wish.
Damjan
