Love Island icon Maura Higgins has sparked a major confrontation with controversial actor Michael Rapaport on the US celebrity edition of hit reality show The Traitors. The fiery exchange, which unfolded during a tense roundtable discussion, has viewers firmly on the side of the Irish reality star, with many branding Rapaport "insufferable".
The Explosive Roundtable Clash
During one of the first three episodes to air, Higgins, 33, zeroed in on the specific language used by Rapaport, 55. The actor, best known for playing Phoebe's boyfriend Gary on Friends, referred to eliminated contestants by saying "we got rid of". Higgins 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 him. Rapaport attempted to defend himself, stating, "Let me tell you something, Maura. I'm as faithful as a faithful-" before being cut off. Higgins interrupted, sharpening her point: "Why did you say 'we'? We didn't - the Traitors did."
Allies Join the Fray
The scrutiny of Rapaport's wording did not end with Higgins. Top Chef winner Kristen Kish later echoed the observation, telling him plainly, "You literally said 'we'." Rapaport's dismissive retort, "And I've said a lot of things," was met with a muttered but audible comment from Higgins: "Maybe just stop talking."
The show, which began airing in January 2026, features a cast of famous faces including Shirley Ballas's son Mark, Donna Kelce (mother of NFL star Travis), and Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna.
Fan Reaction and Maura's Game Plan
Social media erupted in support of Higgins's direct approach. One viewer on X declared the moment their "favoritest part of the new season," while another wrote, "It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us." A third fan criticised the casting, stating producers hoped Rapaport would be "good tv" but he was "quite literally insufferable" and ruining the season.
Rapaport is no stranger to headlines, often for his outspoken political views as a pro-Israel advocate and his fierce criticism of figures like New York mayor Zohran Mamdani.
In a recent interview, Maura Higgins revealed her bold strategy for the game. "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. She added with a laugh, "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."
