COLTON Underwood’s back-and-forth decision to attend The Traitors reunion didn’t come easily – and insiders have told The U.S. Sun that it nearly didn’t happen at all.

The former Bachelor star considered skipping the reunion altogether after an overwhelming wave of backlash tied to his “villain” edit on the Peacock hit, which spilled over beyond fan reaction and into the cast itself.

Colton Underwood from The Traitors.
Colton Underwood appears serious at the roundtable while filming The TraitorsCredit: Peacock
 

Cody Calafiore, Arie Luyendyk Jr., and Andy Cohen at The Traitors Season 1 Reunion.
Andy Cohen, seen here hosting past seasons, will navigate Colton’s personal issues at the Season 4 Traitors reunionCredit: Getty
“Colton considered not attending the reunion after feeling so upset about the social media attacks from fans and then even his own cast mates.

“When Rinna called him a ‘stalker’ online, that was the final straw,” a source claimed of co-star Lisa Rinna‘s social media comment that went viral amongst fans.

According to the insider, Colton, 34, made it clear to producers that he would not show up to the Season 4 reunion just to be “attacked from all sides.”

That same frustration also apparently explains why he notably did not appear on Watch What Happens Live this week despite being scheduled as the guest.

Following Bravo announcing that Colton would be on Tuesday’s show, he was abruptly replaced by rival Michael Rapaport with no explanation from the network.

“He told producers he won’t go to the reunion if he will just be attacked.

“That frustration also led to him not going on WWHL as they had to iron out how to address everything.”

At the center of the issue is Colton’s inability to discuss large portions of his past legal controversy surrounding his restraining order from ex Cassie Randolph – something insiders say has become a major headache for production.

“Colton cannot, and will not, talk about the majority of the restraining order due to legally agreeing to not talk about Cassie publicly.

“It’s been an extreme pain point for production because they know they can’t ignore these issues.

“As of now, Colton will be at the reunion. But he made it clear there are certain subjects he has to remain completely silent about,” the source claimed.

Instead, insiders say the reunion will rely on a carefully structured approach, with host Andy Cohen laying out publicly available facts before giving the floor to Colton – who will be limited in what he can say.

Peacock executives were also allegedly forced to step in amid the escalating tension, particularly after comments made on air and online began to cross a line.

“Execs spoke with Rinna and asked her to tone it down, which she did and even posted a long public apology.

“They don’t want any stars they hired to be in that bad of a place from the show.”

TRAITOROUS TERRITORY

Lisa, 62, sent the internet ablaze with her fiery comments last week when she commented “Let’s talk about you being a stalker…” under a meme of Colton.

After the Bravoverse lost it over the now-viral burn, the former RHOBH star posted a video explaining where she was coming from.|

“Hi, guys, so 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 because Colton and I are great.

“He was a great and is a great nemesis for me on the show in the game. Now, as you know, if you ask 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. But just so you know, I am totally great with Colton. I have been texting with him. We talk. Everything is great,” she admitted.

In a second video, she added: “The fact that the backlash is happening, I feel horrible about because I don’t want to hurt anybody.

“I am here to play the game, to have fun, and Colton is a great nemesis for me. We had so much fun. I always, always had a great time with him. So please guys, be gentle.

“It’s a game. It’s a TV show. We’re all doing the best we can. Don’t send death threats or do anything to jeopardize somebody’s family.”

That same day, the show itself issued a social media statement that condemned any harassment and the cyberbullying of the cast.

It was the first time the show had released that kind of statement in the 4 seasons of airing the American version of the franchise.

New episodes of The Traitors drop every Thursday at 9pm ET/6pm PT on Peacock with the Season 4 reunion scheduled to air on February 26 immediately following the season finale.

Yam Yam Arocho, Colton Underwood, Lisa Rinna, Alan Cumming, Eric Nam, Maura Higgins, and Monet X Change posing together at The Traitors Season 4 Premiere Watch Party.
Before their online feud, Colton Underwood and Lisa Rinna pose at The Abbey Traitors premiere party with Yam Yam Arocho, Alan Cumming, Eric Nam, Maura Higgins, and Monet X ChangeCredit: Getty
 

Cast members Michael Rapaport, Mark Ballas, Maura Higgins, Ron Funches, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Dorinda Medley, and Colton Underwood from "The Traitors" reality show.
Pictured: (l-r) Michael Rapaport, Mark Ballas, Maura Higgins, Ron Funches, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Dorinda Medley, Colton Underwood during a challenge on The TraitorsCredit: Getty
 

Colton Underwood smiling on a talk show.
While Colton didn’t appear on Watch What Happens Live this week, he’s been a guest of the WWHL clubhouse beforeCredit: Getty