Michael Rapaport is catching heat after making what many viewers believed to be a homophobic comment about former “Bachelor” star Colton Underwood on the latest episode of “The Traitors.”
The comedian went after Underwood at the roundtable, just before the cast’s elimination vote. While accusing the reality star of being a Traitor, Rapaport said, “Nobody in this room would be better at holding a secret than you.”
Colton Underwood, who gained fame as the star of “The Bachelor” in 2019 and publicly disclosed his sexuality as gay in 2021, responded sharply to criticism by asking, “Do you think it was enjoyable for me to hide my true self for 29 years?”
Michael Rapaport attempted to justify his remarks, insisting that his comments were unrelated to Underwood’s sexuality. However, his explanation failed to sway the rest of the group.
Figure skater Johnny Weir weighed in, stating, “You can’t fault someone for having to hide their true identity for most of their life.”
Rapaport retorted, “I’m not talking about closets! His behavior is that of a traitor. It’s secretive, it’s conniving.”
Initially, some contestants were considering voting out either Underwood or Ron Funches. But Rapaport’s disparaging remark led the majority to change their votes, focusing instead on removing him. Many expressed that they wanted him out of the castle regardless of his role as a Traitor.
Following his elimination, Rapaport issued an apology. “My remarks were meant in the context of the game and had nothing to do with Colton’s sexuality. I sincerely apologize if I offended Colton or anyone else. That was never my intention,” he said.
Rapaport told TMZ on Friday that he had a conversation with Underwood following the show, and that the two were able to make amends.
“I did speak to him right after filming,” he said. “We had a great man to man conversation and everything was very cool and respectful. I like him and wish him and his family the best.”
However, Rapaport is still facing backlash on social media, with viewers across multiple platforms calling him “disgusting,” “homophobic” and a “piece of s–t.”
