On TMZ Live, hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudier clashed over Michael Rapaport's controversial remark on The Traitors, where he suggested Colton Underwood's closeted past made him a strong secret-keeper. The cast reportedly viewed Rapaport as toxic and celebrated his banishment in episode five. Rapaport apologized to Underwood, and the two later shared mutual respect.
Michael Rapaport's time on Season 4 of Peacock's The Traitors ended abruptly in the fifth episode when the cast voted to banish him following a heated roundtable discussion. During the exchange, Rapaport implied that Colton Underwood, a gay man who was closeted while seeking a wife on The Bachelor, was "better at holding a secret" than others due to his past experience. This comment drew immediate backlash from his costars, who had already found Rapaport's behavior toxic throughout filming.
A source close to production told TMZ that the cast was relieved when Rapaport was booted, describing him as creating a negative atmosphere on set. Rumors circulated that Peacock accelerated the release of his final episode to distance the show from his actions, anticipating viewer backlash. However, a network representative denied this, stating the timing was coincidental and unrelated to any intervention.
Rapaport issued an on-air apology to Underwood during the episode. Afterward, the two had a private conversation off-camera, where Rapaport said they established mutual respect.
The incident sparked debate on TMZ Live between hosts Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudier. Levin, who is gay and spent years in the closet, defended Rapaport, arguing the comment referred to Underwood keeping his secret from millions on national television. Levin shared that he was not offended and even agreed that time in the closet can build secret-keeping skills, though he opposed forcing anyone to remain closeted.
Latibeaudier disagreed, calling the statement homophobic and akin to mocking someone for not living their truth openly. He said he would never make such a remark to Levin or anyone else. The debate was left open for viewer votes.
No further comment was available from Rapaport at the time of reporting.
