Peacock dropped a bombshell this week with the cast reveal for Season 4 of The Traitors. But it wasn’t the kind of shock that left fans excited. It was fury, disbelief, and a flood of backlash. The minute Michael Rapaport’s name was announced, the tone of anticipation turned into anger. If The Traitors wanted buzz, they got it. Just not the kind any network wants.
What was supposed to be a celebratory moment for the Emmy-winning hit quickly spiraled into chaos. Rapaport, confirmed as one of the 23 cast members, instantly became the center of controversy. Not for his strategy or entertainment value, but for his deeply divisive presence online. Viewers weren’t just annoyed. They were furious that Peacock would hand a spotlight to someone with a history of inflammatory rhetoric and behavior.
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The outrage exploded across social media. One fan wrote that the cast looked great “sans Michael Rapaport,” calling him a disgrace and questioning why Bravo and Peacock “keep giving him a platform.” Another went further, accusing the network of enabling “bigoted hateful ideology” by continuing to work with him, adding that they “desperately” hoped he would be the first to go. Calls for his immediate removal dominated threads and timelines, with posts like “Banish Michael Rapaport first” reflecting the mood.
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The core of the backlash centers around Rapaport’s alleged support of Trump, his history of using racially charged language, and his embrace of controversial right-wing commentary. Fans feel betrayed, especially given The Traitors’usual reputation for progressive casting and dynamic storytelling. For many, this choice isn’t just disappointing. It’s infuriating.
Consider it official 😏#TheTraitorsUS Season 4 is coming soon to Peacock. pic.twitter.com/bw8qWEWO5Y
— Peacock (@peacock) June 13, 2025
Even with the return of fan favorites like Dorinda Medley and new faces from the LGBTQ community, including Monet X Change and Johnny Weir, the reaction remains overwhelmingly negative. Unless Rapaport’s time on the show ends quickly, many loyal viewers might check out before the season even begins. The Traitors wanted drama. And now they’ve got a real-life scandal before a single episode airs.
