'Just stop talking': Maura Higgins praised for interaction with Friends actor on Traitors
James Cox
Irish Love Island star Maura Higgins has been praised for an interaction with former Friends actor Michael Rapaport on the US edition of The Traitors.
Higgins, 35, is a contestant on the American version of the hit TV series.
When Rapaport said "we got rid of them" referring to murdered contestants, Higgins replied: "Why did you say, 'we got rid of'? Does that mean you’re a Traitor?"
The actor replied: "Let me tell you something, Maura. I’m as faithful as a faithful."
When she asked him about using the word 'we' again, Rapaport replied "I've said a lot of things", before Higgins cut him off and said: "Maybe just stop talking."
Rapaport, 55, is most recognised for his role as Phoebe's boyfriend Gary on Friends. He also appeared on the likes of My Name is Earl, Justified and Atypical.
The actor was a controversial choice for the show due to his political views. A staunch advocate of Israel, he supported the Israeli army's massacre in Rafah, while he has also made derogatory remarks about Palestinians.
He is a harsh critic of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani and launched an expletive-laden tirade after his electoral victory. In 1997, Rapaport was arrested for harassing ex-girlfriend Lili Taylor and charged with two counts of aggravated harassment.
Fans of the show were full of praise for Higgins on social media for "standing up" to the actor who they labelled a "bully".
Other contestants on the US edition of The Traitors include Shirley Ballas' son Mark, Travis Kelce's mother Donna and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna.
Speaking about the show, Higgins recently said: “Well, I’m starting off wearing a cape so I hope that I’m a traitor, and I hope to kill everyone one by one.
“Someone comes for me at the roundtable. God love them.
“Sounds a bit traitor-y to me.
“I speak my mind, not really a shadow kind of girl. That sounded really devious, didn’t it?”
She was also pictured on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday.
