Love Island star Maura Higgins has sparked a heated confrontation with actor Michael Rapaport on The Traitors US, drawing widespread support from viewers. Competing alongside personalities like Shirley Ballas’ son Mark, Travis Kelce’s mother Donna, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna, Maura has quickly become a standout figure in the celebrity edition of the popular reality show.
Though only three episodes have aired, tensions at the roundtables are already running high — particularly between Maura and the outspoken 55-year-old actor Michael Rapaport, known for his roles in Friends, My Name is Earl, Justified, and Atypical. Michael is also well-known for his outspoken political opinions, notably as a pro-Israel advocate and vocal critic of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The clash unfolded when Maura challenged Michael over his use of the phrase “we got rid of” when discussing eliminated contestants, questioning whether this implied he was a Traitor. Michael tried to defend himself, insisting on his faithfulness, but Maura interrupted, pressing him on why he used “we” if only the Traitors made those moves.
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Top Chef’s Kristen Kish later echoed Maura’s observation, confronting Michael about his choice of words, to which he responded evasively. Frustrated, Maura quietly suggested he “maybe just stop talking,” a moment that resonated with many viewers.
Social media erupted with praise for Maura’s assertiveness. One fan tweeted, “Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favoritest part of the new season of #TheTraitorsUS.” Another wrote, “It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us #TheTraitorsUS.” Meanwhile, some viewers expressed frustration with Michael, calling him “insufferable” and detrimental to the show’s enjoyment.
Earlier in the season, Maura revealed her game plan, joking, “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. 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.” She laughed, adding, “That sounded really devious, didn’t it?”
Maura’s bold and outspoken approach has undoubtedly made her a memorable player in The Traitors US, earning her a legion of fans rooting for her every move.