Tempers flared on the latest season of the US version of The Traitors as Irish reality TV star Maura Higgins found herself locked in a heated confrontation with actor Michael Rapaport, sparking a social media frenzy and winning her a wave of new American fans. The incident, which unfolded during a tense roundtable discussion aired on January 11, 2026, has quickly become the talk of reality television, with many viewers praising Higgins for her no-nonsense approach and willingness to challenge one of the show’s most outspoken personalities.
Maura Higgins, best known for her stint on Love Island, has been making headlines since joining the celebrity cast of The Traitors US. This season, the show features a glitzy lineup that includes Mark Ballas (son of Shirley Ballas), Donna Kelce (mother of NFL star Travis Kelce), and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills icon Lisa Rinna. But it was Higgins’ fiery exchange with Michael Rapaport—an actor recognized for his role as Gary, Phoebe’s boyfriend on Friends, as well as appearances in My Name is Earl, Justified, and Atypical—that has truly set the internet alight.
Only three episodes into the US season, the roundtable sessions—where contestants debate and try to suss out the show’s hidden “Traitors”—have already become a hotbed for drama. According to The Mirror, the tension reached a boiling point when Rapaport used the phrase “we got rid of” while discussing contestants who had been “murdered” in the game. Higgins immediately pounced on the phrasing, accusing Rapaport of inadvertently exposing himself as a Traitor. “Why did you say, ‘we got rid of’? Does that mean you’re a Traitor?” she challenged, her tone sharp and direct.
Rapaport, never one to back down, tried to defend himself: “Let me tell you something, Maura. I’m as faithful as a faithful—” But Higgins cut him off before he could finish, pressing further: “Why did you say ‘we’? We didn’t—the Traitors did.” Her quick interjection left little room for Rapaport to clarify, and the exchange only intensified as other contestants joined the fray. Top Chef star Kristen Kish echoed Higgins’ suspicion, telling Rapaport, “You literally said ‘we’.” His retort was dismissive: “And I’ve said a lot of things.”
As the tension simmered, Higgins couldn’t resist one last jab. Under her breath, she muttered, “Maybe just stop talking.” The moment was instantly clipped and shared across social media platforms, where fans celebrated her confrontational style. One viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favoritest part of the new season of #TheTraitorsUS.” Another chimed in: “It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us #TheTraitorsUS.” The outpouring of support was unmistakable, with many calling Higgins their favorite part of the season and labeling Rapaport “insufferable.”
Rapaport, for his part, has long been a lightning rod for controversy. Beyond his acting credits, he’s known for his outspoken political views, particularly as a pro-Israel advocate and a fierce critic of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani. His brash persona, which producers may have hoped would make for compelling television, has instead drawn ire from some viewers. As one fan put it on social media: “Producers probably figured Michael Rapaport would make for good TV because he’s so easy to ragebait, but he’s actually just ruining this season because he’s quite literally insufferable. Get him off my screen #TheTraitorsUS.”
Higgins’ rise to prominence in the US reality TV landscape has been swift. After gaining fame on Love Island—where she appeared alongside Tommy Fury and Molly-Mae Hague—she quickly parlayed her popularity into a hosting gig on Love Island USA: Aftersun and a stint as the social media presenter for Love Island Games. Her decision to join The Traitors US was first reported in June 2025, with sources telling The Sun that “Maura is becoming a huge star across the pond and her slot on The Traitors is just part of that. The future is bright—and has stars and stripes.”
In an interview aired earlier in the week, Higgins revealed her gameplan for The Traitors US. Sporting a dramatic dark green latex catsuit with a short cape, she didn’t mince words: “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 off her own villainous ambitions, adding, “That sounded really devious, didn’t it?”
The US version of The Traitors, hosted by Alan Cumming, has so far leaned heavily on celebrity casting, a contrast to the UK version which has traditionally featured civilian contestants. However, as reported by the Daily Mail, the franchise is set to launch its first fully civilian season in the US, a move announced in August 2025. This shift may change the dynamic of the show, but for now, it’s the celebrity personalities—and their clashes—that are keeping viewers glued to their screens.
Higgins’ brash confidence and willingness to speak her mind have made her an instant favorite, not just among fans of Love Island but also among a broader American audience. Her social media presence has only amplified the buzz, with clips of her showdowns circulating widely and drawing praise for her “fiery” style. As one fan put it, “Maura Higgins spoke for all of us.”
Meanwhile, Rapaport’s continued presence on the show remains divisive. While some appreciate his candor and larger-than-life personality, others see him as a source of unnecessary drama. The debate over his role in the series reflects a broader tension in reality television: the fine line between entertainment and aggravation. But if the producers’ goal was to spark conversation, they’ve certainly succeeded.
With only three episodes aired by January 11, 2026, it’s clear that this season of The Traitors US is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about yet. Whether Higgins will continue her winning streak—or if Rapaport will manage to turn the tide in his favor—remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: reality TV fans on both sides of the Atlantic are watching closely, eager for the next explosive roundtable and the next viral moment.
For now, Maura Higgins stands out as the breakout star of the season, unafraid to challenge the status quo and speak her truth—even if it means telling a fellow contestant to “just stop talking.”
