The Traitors Calls on Fans to Cease Harassment of Cast Following Lisa and Colton Controversy
The popular reality competition show The Traitors has released a statement urging fans to refrain from harassing and cyberbullying the current cast following contestant Lisa Rinna’s remarks about fellow competitor Colton Underwood.
“We are dedicated to ensuring our casts feel safe, respected, and supported – on screen and off,” a written statement posted on X read on Saturday, January 24. “The cast of The Traitors are real individuals, and what occurs in the game should not result in cyberbullying or harassment. There is a distinction between discussing a show and targeting people personally.”
The statement added, “Let us not undermine the enthusiasm for this show with unnecessary negativity and personal assaults. We value your support.”
This statement follows Rinna, 62, calling Underwood, 33, a “stalker” amid escalating tensions on season 4 of the popular reality TV series.
“Let’s discuss you being a stalker…,” Rinna commented on Friday, January 23, referencing Underwood’s past alleged harassment of ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph.
Us Weekly reached out to Underwood for his response at that time.
Before Rinna’s comment, a fan of the show shared a meme featuring the reality TV star from her time on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, cautioning The Bachelor alumnus that he shouldn’t antagonize Rinna while on The Traitors.
(Underwood and Rinna have clashed throughout the season, including when Underwood attempted and failed to vote Rinna off the show during the episode aired on Thursday, January 22. Underwood has also questioned Rinna’s calm demeanor and seemingly criticized her after Rinna eliminated fellow Housewife Porscha Williams.)
On Saturday, Rinna addressed the backlash her fellow contestant faced online through an Instagram Stories video, stating that she is merely playing a role on a television show.
“Hi, everyone, it’s come to my attention that my post, which I responded to in my Housewife mode, is spiraling and causing real issues for Colton. I don’t want that because Colton and I are good,” the reality TV star explained. “He was and is a fantastic nemesis for me in the game. As you know, when you ask me to be a Housewife, I’ll deliver, right? That’s what I was doing, all in the spirit of the game. But I want you to know, I’m completely fine with Colton. We’ve been texting, we talk. Everything is great.”
She further elaborated in a second video posted to her Instagram Stories on Saturday, “I feel terrible about the backlash because I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’m here to enjoy the game, and Colton is a fantastic nemesis for me. We had a blast together. I always enjoyed my time with him. So please, everyone, be kind. It’s just a game. It’s a TV show. We’re doing our best. Don’t send death threats or anything that could harm someone’s family.”
Rinna expressed that the two “had an incredible time” filming the show, remarking that it was “really challenging.”
“Remember, it’s all part of the game, even afterwards,” she added. “So everyone, take a moment to breathe and understand that all is well. It’s just a game. Treat it as you would watching a sports event, like football or wrestling, and be kind to everyone, as everyone is trying their best.”
