The team behind The Traitors has released a statement urging viewers to refrain from sending hate to the show’s cast. “We are committed to making our casts feel safe, respected, and supported, both on and off screen,” the statement read, which was shared on the series’ official Instagram account on Saturday. “The cast of The Traitors are real people, and what happens in the game should never lead to cyberbullying or harassment.”
The statement continued, “There’s a clear distinction between discussing a show and targeting individuals. Let’s not tarnish the passion for this show with unwarranted negativity and personal attacks. We appreciate your support.”
The statement was shared following the debut of The Traitors’ sixth episode on Peacock on Thursday. Amid a buzz of online conversation about the series, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna also took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to denounce fans who were sending hate to her fellow season four competitor Colton Underwood.
“It’s come to my attention that my post that I responded to in my housewife mode is taking on a life of its own, and it’s causing real problems for Colton. And I do not want this,” she said. “He was a great and is a great nemesis for me on the show in the game. Now, as you know, if you asked me to be a housewife, I’ll bring it to you, right? That’s what I was doing, all in the name of the game.”
Rinna added that she is “totally great with Colton” and that she feels horrible about the backlash happening because she doesn’t want to hurt anybody. She further stressed the importance of viewing the show “as a game,” urging viewers to “try to watch it like a sporting event.”
The former Beverly Hills housewife and Bachelor star engaged in a heated round-table discussion during episode six of the Emmy Award-winning reality show. “I am here to play the game and have fun. And Colton is a great nemesis for me. We had so much fun. So please, guys, be gentle. It’s a game. It’s a TV show. We’re all doing the best we can,” Rinna continued. “Don’t send death threats or do anything to jeopardize somebody’s family.”
“So everyone take a deep breath and just know that everything is great. It’s a game. Try to watch it like a sporting event, you know, like if you’re watching football or wrestling, and just be gentle with everybody, because everyone’s doing the best they can,” she added.
With its fourth installment currently underway, there’s no denying the popularity of The Traitors. During its season debut on the streamer, it drew 638 million viewing minutes for the week of Jan. 5-11, according to preliminary Nielsen streaming data (season four premiered Jan. 8). Although final numbers could reflect a change, if the figures remain, it will mark The Traitors’ best weekly total to date in the Nielsen streaming rankings.
The cast includes a myriad of (mostly) reality stars, with Rinna, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Rob Rausch being named the season’s Traitors. Additional cast members, better known as Faithfuls, still in the game include Underwood, Dorinda Medley, Eric Nam, Johnny Weir, Kristen Kish, Mark Ballas, Maura Higgins, Natalie Anderson, Stephen Colletti, Tara Lipinski, and Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho.
