The Traitors US star Maura Higgins has rowed with actor Michael Rapaport in a heated roundtable exchange, with fans praising her for standing up to himA close-up of an individual with long, straight hair, gazing intently into the camera with a slightly open mouth, positioned against a dimly lit background.

Co. Longford’s Maura Higgins on The Traitors US. (Image: )

Ireland’s Maura Higgins has had a fiery exchange with the contentious actor Michael Rapaport on the US version of The Traitors, much to the delight of her fans. The reality star is among the celebrity contestants on the American edition of The Traitors, competing against the likes of Mark Ballas, son of Shirley Ballas, Donna Kelce, mother of Travis Kelce, and Lisa Rinna from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Despite only three episodes of the series having been broadcast in the US, the roundtables have already become heated, with Maura finding herself in a dispute with the outspoken actor Michael Rappaport. The 55 year old is most recognised for his role as Phoebe’s boyfriend Gary on Friends, and for parts in My Name is Earl, Justified and Atypical.

Michael frequently makes the news due to his political stance as a pro-Israel advocate and a harsh critic of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, whom he labelled “a s**t stain” following his mayoral victory.

In one particularly tense episode of The Traitors US, Maura questioned Michael’s use of the phrase “we got rid of” when referring to murdered contestants, accusing him of being a Traitor. “Why did you say, ‘we got rid of’? Does that mean you’re a Traitor?” she asked.

In his defence, Michael responded: “Let me tell you something, Maura. I’m as faithful as a faithful-” She then cut him off, retorting: “Why did you say ‘we’? We didn’t – the Traitors did,” reports the Mirror.

Later, Top Chef’s Kristen Kish picked up on Michael’s choice of words, challenging him with: “You literally said ‘we’.”

His retort was simply: “And I’ve said a lot of things.”

Maura then dryly suggested: “Maybe just stop talking.”

An individual in a red jacket is seated on a chair, engaging in animated conversation with another person. The setting features a wooden backdrop adorned with a fireplace and bookshelves, with various decorative items placed on the shelves.

Michael Rapaport on The Traitors US.(Image: )

An adult female, wearing a leopard print sleeveless top and a black beret, stands against a warm-toned background, maintaining a composed and serious expression.

Maura Higgins clashed with Friends star on The Traitors US(Image: )

Her direct approach won her praise from fans on social media. One viewer posted on X: “Maura being unafraid and standing up to Michael is so far my favouritest part of the new season of #TheTraitorsUS.”

Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating: “It was at this moment that Maura Higgins spoke for all of us #TheTraitorsUS.”

A third viewer expressed their frustration, saying: “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.”

Earlier in the week, Maura shared her strategy for The Traitors US, revealing: “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.”

She warned: “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.”

With a chuckle, she concluded: “That sounded really devious, didn’t it?”.

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