After a long wait, The Traitors USA Season 4 cast list arrived, but Michael Rapaport already diminished the excitement. Yes, past seasons of The Traitors also included some controversial figures. But there’s a major difference between Michael Rapaport and a reality TV villain like Tom Sandoval or Johnny Bananas. Considering how many stars are desperate to join The Traitors, producers surely had better choices than the controversial “actor”. Here’s why Michael Rapaport’s casting already ruined The Traitors USA Season 4.
Michael Rapaport joins reality TV royalty on The Traitors USA Season 4 cast
After months of anticipation and cast rumors, The Traitors USA Season 4 cast was confirmed on June 13. As expected, the list included some reality TV legends. Dorinda Medley is back for round two. This time, joined by fellow Real Housewives Lisa Rinna, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Caroline Stanbury, and Porsha Williams. Additionally, the cast includes Survivor’s Natalie Anderson, Rob Cesternino, and Yamil Arocho. As well as Big Brother’s Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell.
Personally, I’m most excited for Love Island legend Maura Higgins and Drag Race’s Monet X Change. Plus, getting to see Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, who co-host the Olympic coverage together, compete. Love Island USA breakout Rob Rausch is sure to make some great TV as well.
However, there was already one reality TV star’s name that gave Traitors fans pause. That’s Colton Underwood of The Bachelor. Years ago, Colton was accused of stalking his ex, Cassie Randolph. She filed a restraining order against him.
That’s something he has in common with the other controversial name on the cast list, Michael Rapaport. In 2021, Michael pleaded guilty to harassing his ex, actress Lili Taylor. And that’s not the only reason there was backlash from Traitors fans when they saw Michael’s name in the cast.
Michael Rapaport has a history of being vile
Bravo fans already know Michael Rapaport as a frequent guest on Watch What Happens Live. But he’s not a very popular one, due to a long history of saying vile things. Michael is bold and unapologetic about his opinions. But he frequently crosses the line.
In one of the most infamous moments, Michael Rapaport went after Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore. Thankfully, the shade assassin Kenya put him in his place. After their exchange on WWHL, Michael posted a picture of a monkey to his social media. I doubt I have to explain why this is horrifically offensive, and could be deemed racist.
That is far from the only example of Michael Rapaport’s nasty behavior on social media. He also made headlines for going after John Boyega. In 2020, the actor spoke at length about how his Star Wars experience was tainted by racism. For some reason, Michael Rapaport decided to tweet that John Boyega should just be grateful.
Instead of apologizing, Michael takes pride in the criticism. He once tweeted, “If You’re not called racist at least once a day online You’re on the wrong side of History!”
In addition to his many controversial social media posts in the past, Michael Rapaport posts fully unhinged, and unbelievably vile, content lately. That’s another reason his The Traitors Season 4 casting is surprising and disappointing.
Michael Rapaport has gone fully unhinged on social media
Over the past year, Michael Rapaport’s social media has become particularly unhinged. Michael is an unapologetic Zionist, which is his right. However, he’s now pro-Trump, saying that Joe Biden didn’t support Israel enough. This, despite the Biden administration being extremely supportive of Israel.
Amidst the ongoing destruction in Gaza, Michael Rapaport’s tweets are Islamaphobic, racist, dehumanizing, and cruel. He calls every person in Gaza a terrorist and excuses the IDF bombing hospitals, insisting that “hospitals aren’t hospitals in Gaza.” He posted AI art depicting Palestinians as apes. Despite the mass starvations in Gaza, Rapaport tweeted, “Has ONE adult male died of starvation in Gaza since 10/7 or is it just kids? F*cking liars.” Lately, he keeps insulting Greta Thunberg. When a gay man advocated for Palestine, Rapaport harassed him by sending a homophobic DM. He also posted a queer person on the subway, seemingly just to have that person mocked by his followers.
On Instagram, Rapaport made a post mocking Mahmoud Khalil’s wife. Which, like many of his recent posts, was liked by Dorit Kemsley. Add that as another reason Dorit lost fans on RHOBH this season.
Michael appears to be cheering on the genocide, mocking the mass starvation, bombings, and deaths of Palestinians. That’s disgusting and unacceptable. No one should have to watch such a horrid person on The Traitors, which is supposed to be a fun show.
It’s already appalling enough that Andy Cohen and WWHL keep platforming Michael Rapaport. Even if he gets eliminated first, The Traitors will still be another major platform for Michael and his vile actions and views. Imagine how bad it will be if he sticks around for multiple episodes. Considering the vile, homophobic, and racist things he says on social media, what horrible things might he say to his castmates? It’s a risk Peacock shouldn’t take.
TELL US – DO YOU AGREE THAT CASTING MICHAEL RAPAPORT ALREADY RUINED THE TRAITORS USA SEASON 4? WHY OR WHY NOT?
