Colton Underwood Clarifies Comment Wasn’t About Sexuality
Michael Rapaport recently faced backlash for his remarks about Colton Underwood during a roundtable discussion on “The Traitors,” Season 4. This event unfolded in the fifth episode, released on Thursday, and quickly escalated tensions among the cast.
Background on the Conflict
Earlier that day, Underwood and Rapaport engaged in a heated argument. Underwood, a former contestant on “The Bachelor,” accused Rapaport of being a Traitor. This claim came after Underwood misguided the cast in targeting “Big Brother” star Tiffany Mitchell. Rapaport retaliated by labeling Underwood a Traitor, emphasizing that his actions were deceptive.
Key Details from the Roundtable
- Rapaport expressed his frustration: “I am angry, I’m pissed off, and I am isolated because of him.”
- Underwood responded to Rapaport’s comments, indicating he felt targeted.
Colton Underwood’s Journey
Colton Underwood previously starred in reality dating series, including “The Bachelorette” and “The Bachelor.” Despite presenting himself as straight in public and in his autobiography, he faced scrutiny regarding his sexuality. In 2020, he became embroiled in legal issues when Cassie Randolph filed a restraining order against him. Underwood came out as gay the following year.
Escalation of the Discussion
During the discussion, Rapaport’s remarks took a controversial turn. He claimed, “I’m not talking about closets… His behavior is of a Traitor, his behavior is secret, it’s conniving… It’s cowardly.” This statement prompted reactions from the other cast members.
- Johnny Weir remarked, “You can’t blame somebody being forced into a closet for the majority of their life.”
- Maura Higgins called Rapaport’s statements a “very low blow.”
Casting Votes for Banishment
In a surprising twist, many cast members suggested Rapaport should be ousted. Natalie Anderson said, “Today, the way you spoke to Colton, for me, it’s enough to write your name down.” Ultimately, Rapaport was overwhelmingly voted out, with 11 of the 16 members supporting his banishment.
Aftermath and Apologies
Post-banishment, Rapaport expressed regret in a confessional, stating, “It sucks, but I felt backed into a corner.” He clarified that his comments were made within the context of the game, unrelated to Underwood’s sexuality. He stated, “I sincerely apologize if I offended Colton or anybody in the house.” Despite the incidents, Rapaport has remained active on social media, addressing criticism and defending his actions during the game.
This incident highlights the intense dynamics within reality television competitions and the impact personal histories can have in competitive environments.
