Cast members of "The Traitors" seated around a round table for "Show Me Your Faces" Episode 403.WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD:
While viewers will eventually get what they want, it may not be as immediate as they were hoping as the villain is being kept alive, for now, due to one very calculated reason.

Michael Rapaport has quickly become one of the most polarizing figures on the Peacock’s hit reality series, with viewers slamming his loud, confrontational gameplay with even fellow contestants visibly disturbed at his comments.

Behind the scenes, insiders say his harsh behavior isn’t accidental, it’s strategic.

“Michael is already a loudmouth and abrasive but he is purposely being annoying because he knows the Traitors will protect him the more he puts himself out there like that.

“He’s becoming their shield and it’s smart gameplay for them to protect him,” a source exclusively tells The U.S. Sun.

The source made it clear that while the strategy has kept him this far in the game, the fortune will not last long at the round table.

“Now, that doesn’t mean he makes it to the end, he doesn’t. He gets banished, not murdered, which may happen sooner than people think.

“When he goes out, it’s in spectacular fashion. He’s not one to leave on a quiet note. And again, those who despise him will be happy to learn his demise comes sooner rather than later.”

According to insiders, Michael’s chaotic energy has made him the perfect decoy for the trio of Traitors as he became a distraction who absorbs suspicion and deflects heat from the real stars in the turret.

“The longer he irritates the group, the safer the real villains remain. But his loud mouth won’t always buy him protection at the round table,” the insider added.

The soon-to-be murder is expected to be anything but subtle, with insiders teasing a dramatic send-off that will leave the castle reeling and viewers cheering.

‘NAILS ON A CHALKBOARD’

Fans have made it clear they’re counting the days until Michael is banished from the castle after dubbing him “the most annoying Traitors player of all time.”

“Every scene Michael is in feels like nails on a chalkboard,” one fan wrote.

“Please let him be the next murder. I’m begging,” another pleaded.

“He’s not playing the game, he’s hijacking it and ruining it,” a third ranted.

Michael Rapaport smiling and gesturing with hands while sitting in a leather chair.
Michael Rapaport has already created chaos during the first episodes of The Traitors Season 4Credit: Getty
 

Michael Rapaport on "Watch What Happens Live"
Michael is known for his controversial Bravo takes, which he often reveals on WWHLCredit: Getty
“He is not entertaining, he is f**king obnoxious, and he is mean. Might be the most annoying person they’ve ever had. Ever. Get Michael off the show pleaseeeee,” one more begged.

MISCHIEF AND MURDER

Michael’s casting raised eyebrows from the start as he has become a polarizing figure for his hot takes.

The outspoken actor and podcast host is known for his unfiltered opinions and frequent online feuds, making him a risky, but attention-grabbing, addition to the ensemble cast.

While producers hoped his personality would stir drama, insiders say even they may not have anticipated just how divisive he’d become.

While Michael was able to escape murder and banishment in the first three episodes of The Traitors, other cast mates were not as lucky.

On episode two of the series, Big Brother winner Ian Terry was the first to be murdered by The Traitors.

Later in the same episode, RHOA alum Porsha Williams was banished at the roundtable.

In episode 3, Survivor legend Rob Cesternino was the second murder done by the Traitors, while the episode concluded with Donna Kelce being revealed as the “secret Traitor” when she was banished at the roundtable.

New episodes of The Traitors drop on Thursdays at 9pm ET/6pm PT on Peacock.

Cast members of "The Traitors" reality show stand in an outdoor competition area, wearing black outfits and safety vests with their names.
Michael Rapaport on a Traitors challenge mission with co-stars Rob Cesternino, Donna Kelce, Eric Nam, Ron Funches, Kristen Kish, Colton Underwood, and Yam Yam ArochoCredit: Getty
 

Michael Rapaport wearing a black jacket over a white t-shirt, dark jeans, and grey and white sneakers, posing in front of a white wall with blue SiriusXM logos.
Podcast host Michael Rapaport visits SiriusXM Studios on October 28, 2024 in New York CityCredit: Getty