Latest news with #MichaelRapaport
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Traitors fans threaten to BOYCOTT show over casting of controversial Zionist star
Some fans of Peacock's incredibly popular competition series The Traitors are threatening to boycott the new season over one of the celebrity casting choices. The hit show, which will return for its fourth season early next year, announced the star-studded cast last week. Among the names is outspoken actor and comedian Michael Rapaport, best known for playing Gary on Friends. The New York-born comedian, who is Jewish and identifies as a staunch Zionist, has emerged as one of Hollywood's most passionate defenders of Israel since the October 7 terror attacks. He's also become a fierce critic of Palestine, stating that 'Palestine will never be free' and repeatedly mocking Palestinians. One of Rapaport's most controversial videos saw him celebrating and laughing hysterically over Israel's attack on Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon via explosive pagers. While most of the casualties were Hezbollah members, a number of civilians were killed, including children. Israel then followed up with a similar attack using explosives in walkie-talkies. After the attacks, Rapaport posted a video of himself laughing hysterically while mimicking the sound of the explosive pagers by saying, 'beep, beep!' repeatedly. 'Who the f**k has a beeper in 2024?' he said. 'Dirty, d**k, nasty a** terrorists! Good if they blew up. F**k them where they f***ing breathe,' he continued. In another video shared in late 2023, Rapaport filmed himself celebrating Christmas in Israel, before mocking Gaza for not being able to celebrate Christmas that year. 'Ho-ho-ho, there ain't gonna be no Christmas in the Gaza strip,' he said, before calling Gaza a 's**t hole'. Pro-Palestine supporters were furious over the 55-year-old's casting, with many threatening to tune out of the season altogether Rapaport has also floated support for Donald Trump taking over Gaza, sharing memes of Gaza as 'Mar-a-Gaza' - a reference to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Pro-Palestine supporters were furious over the 55-year-old's casting, with many threatening to tune out of the season altogether. 'Peacock wants to be boycotted so bad by casting Rappaport,' wrote one, while another posted, 'Michael Rapaport is a raging zionist. Not watching this trash.' 'Michael Rapaport is one of the most disgusting reality TV casting choices imaginable,' wrote a third. 'Michael Rapaport? I might have to skip this season,' commented a fourth, while another wrote, 'Michael Genocidal Rapaport is guaranteed boycott for me.' 'As much as some of my favorite reality figures are in here, the inclusion of Michael Rapaport makes it an easy skip. Not entertained by the reputational laundering of rabid racists and genocide supporters,' wrote another. One fan commented, 'I'm honestly so pissed. I loved The Traitors, watched all US and UK seasons. Putting Rapaport on this show is such an intentionally hostile decision to the fans and the rest of this cast. There are other TV shows to watch, which is what I'll be doing from here on out.' has contacted Rapaport's management for comment. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the Palestinian death toll from the 20-month Israel-Hamas war has climbed past 55,000, with more than half being women and children. Other celebrities set for the next season of The Traitors include Bachelor star Colton Underwood, Survivor's Rob Cesternino, K-pop star Eric Nam, and Real Housewives stars Lisa Rinna, Dorinda Medley, and Porsha Williams. The Traitors has become one of the biggest shows in reality television, drawing in millions of views in both UK and the US. The season three premiere of The Traitors became Peacock's most-watched premiere ever. It was won by four Faithfuls; Gabby Windey, Dolores Catania, Dylan Efron, and Lord Ivar Mountbatten. Big Brother star Britney Haynes, who was a Traitor, was the runner-up. The Traitors season four cast Natalie Anderson (The Amazing Race) Yamil 'Yam Yam' Arocho (Survivor) Mark Ballas (Dancing With the Stars) Rob Cesternino (Survivor) Stephen Colletti (Laguna Beach, One Tree Hill) Candiace Dillard Bassett (The Real Housewives of Potomac) Ron Funches (Actor/Comedian) Maura Higgins (Love Island UK) Donna Kelce (Travis and Jason Kelce's mother) Kristen Kish (Top Chef) Tara Lipinski (Olympic figure skater) Dorinda Medley (The Traitors, The Real Housewives of New York City) Tiffany Mitchell (Big Brother) Monét X Change (RuPaul's Drag Race) Eric Nam (Singer) Michael Rapaport (Actor/Comedian) Rob Rausch (Love Island USA) Lisa Rinna (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) Caroline Stanbury (The Real Housewives of Dubai) Ian Terry (Big Brother) Colton Underwood (The Bachelor, The Bachelorette) Johnny Weir (Olympic figure skater) Porsha Williams (The Real Housewives of Atlanta)
Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Michael Rapaport casting in Traitors Season 4 draws backlash over controversial past
Peacock's announcement of The Traitors Season 4 cast has sparked backlash, particularly over the inclusion of actor and comedian Michael Rapaport. While the show is known for bringing together an eclectic group of celebrities, many fans have voiced concern about Rapaport's past controversial remarks. Rapaport is among 23 stars confirmed for the upcoming season. However, his addition has not been well received by viewers due to his history of using racially charged language and sharing far-right commentary on social media. Social media users quickly expressed disappointment. One post read, 'Amazing Traitors cast sans Michael Rapaport. He's a piece of sh*t and it's extremely annoying that Bravo and Peacock keep giving him a platform.' Another user wrote, 'Peacock and NBC continuing to platform Michael Rapaport as he spews bigoted hateful ideology is so dangerous. I desperately need him to be the first murder.' Despite the backlash, some cast choices have been praised. The season will feature five Real Housewives stars, including Dorinda Medley, and several prominent LGBTQ+ personalities such as Monet X Change, Kristen Kish, and Johnny Weir. Still, fan criticism of Rapaport continues to dominate the online conversation. Comments like 'Traitor or not, banish Michael Rapaport first,' reflect a widespread desire for his early exit from the show. The Traitors has enjoyed popularity and acclaim, but Rapaport's casting has introduced a contentious note heading into Season 4. With fan backlash mounting, Rapaport's future on the show — or in any future seasons — remains uncertain. The Traitors Season 4 is expected to premiere on Peacock in 2026.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Traitors Cast Including Michael Rapaport Causes Backlash
Peacock just announced the cast of Season 4 of The Traitors, and so far, the response has not been great. You expect a random mix of celebrities for this show, but some fans think the show took things a step in the wrong direction by adding Michael Rapaport to the cast. If Peacock's goal was to get people talking, it definitely worked. Michael was one of 23 stars confirmed for Season 4 of The Traitors. If history repeats itself, there might be one or two late additions to the game as well. Either way, social media immediately lit up with reactions to seeing Michael in the lineup, and it's not because of his terrible acting skills. It's because of his extensive history of using racist language and sharing far-right talking points on his social media. 'Amazing Traitors cast sans Michael Rapaport. He's a piece of sh*t and it's extremely annoying that Bravo and Peacock keep giving him a platform,' wrote one Traitors fan. Another said, 'Peacock and NBC continuing to platform Michael Rapaport as he spews bigoted hateful ideology is so dangerous. I desperately need him to be the first murder #TheTraitorsUS.' Scroll through Twitter/X for as long as you want, and you'll be hard pressed to find anyone thrilled about having this man on the beloved, Emmy-winning show. Plenty of Traitors fans, however, are hoping to see him get kicked out of the castle sooner rather than later. 'Traitor or not, banish Michael Rapaport first,' one person quipped. Although most fans are bashing Peacock for including Michael, it's worth highlighting that there are some positive elements to this cast. They've got five Real Housewives in the cast, including the return of Dorinda Medley. There's also a wealth of LGBTQ representation, with Monet X Change, Kristen Kish, and Johnny Weir in the lineup. Let's hold out hope that it's enough to erase the stain. The Traitors Season 4 comes to Peacock in 2026. TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE TRAITORS SEASON 4 CAST? DO YOU THINK INCLUDING MICHAEL RAPAPORT WAS A MISTAKE? The post The Traitors Cast Including Michael Rapaport Causes Backlash appeared first on Reality Tea.
Fox News
05-06-2025
- General
- Fox News
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed' Newsletter: Deadly intifada comes to America
Print Close By Fox News Staff Published June 05, 2025 Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world. IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER: - Boulder terror attack latest in antisemitic incidents rising across US in 2025- Barstool's Portnoy shrugs off hateful slur caught on video - CNN blasts FBI for calling Boulder attack 'terrorism'; Bureau responds TOP STORY: The monstrous attack in Boulder was just the latest in a series of dangerous and sometimes deadly incidents targeting America's Jewish community. Angry rhetoric, arson and even murder are now in the arsenal of Israel-hating radicals, and there is little reason to believe the violence will subside anytime soon. Click here to read up on the most disturbing cases. VIDEO: Jewish comedian and actor Michael Rapaport is alarmed that more non-Jewish people aren't speaking out in defense of Jewish people following multiple violent attacks against them. WATCH HERE: SLICE OF HATE: Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy shrugged off an antisemitic slur while recording a video in Toronto on Monday. Portnoy visited an Italian restaurant called Terrazza to film one of his " One Bite Pizza Reviews " videos and an unseen man shouted at him. "See? There we go," Portnoy remarked. FBI'S FYI: An FBI official responded sharply to CNN senior national security analyst Juliette Kayyem after she bashed the agency for quickly calling Sunday's anti-Israel firebombing attack in Colorado an act of terrorism. Click here to read what he said. AMERICAN VETO: The U.S. rejected a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, standing by Jerusalem. France, the U.K., Russia and China all supported the resolution, which received 14 votes in favor and one vote against, meaning it was not adopted by the council. GUEST EDITORIAL: Retired FBI counterterrorism expert David Zimmermann notes that Jew hatred has taken a terrifying new turn in the US with recent incidents, and warns that the ugly rhetoric long tolerated on college campuses is helping to fuel it. QUOTE OF THE WEEK: "Jews in America fear what will happen next. They continue to ask why they are being targeted simply for being Jews. Is this any way for an American citizen – or a citizen of any country – to live?" David Zimmermann, former FBI agent and counterterrorism expert. - Looking for more on this topic? Find more antisemitism coverage from Fox News here. - Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe to additional newsletters from Fox News here. - Want live updates? Get the Fox News app here Print Close URL
The Independent
04-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Friends actor warns Jewish people ‘the cavalry aint coming' after Colorado flamethrower attack
Friends actor Michael Rapaport has warned Jewish people that 'the cavalry ain't coming' after a horrific flamethrower attack at a pro-Israel march in Boulder, Colorado. On an episode of his podcast 'I Am Rapaport' that was released Tuesday, Rapaport, who played Phoebe Buffay's boyfriend Gary on the hit TV show Friends, spoke out about the terror attack last Sunday that left 12 demonstrators injured. 'What's going on in the world for Jewish people, what's going on in the world for people that support and believe in the right of the existence of Israel, a.k.a. Zionists, is frightening,' Rapaport said. Rapaport, who is Jewish, said, 'I don't think I have felt scared since October 7,' referring to Hamas' deadly attack on Israel in 2023. The actor said that he has spoken out for other groups in their time of need, but now no one is supporting him and his fellow Jewish and Zionist people. 'I put a f***ing black square [on social media] like a f***ing a****** during Black Lives Matter. Don't you feel like an a****** now? For putting up a black square during Black Lives Matter when nobody is coming and saying anything on our behalf.' Rapaport said that he's been traveling all over the U.S. and in Israel as an outspoken supporter of Israel for the last '500 days.' 'All the time people go, 'Why isn't anyone saying anything … Do you feel ignored, do you feel alienated?' Yes, yes, yes,' he said. The actor continued: 'I'm telling you something, Jewish people, the cavalry ain't coming. The cavalry is not coming for us. They don't give a f***.' 'It's sad, it's frustrating. You feel used. You feel manipulated. You feel like a sucker. I feel like it, too!' he added. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, was arrested and charged with a federal hate crime and 16 counts of attempted murder in connection with the attack. He had entered the US on a visa that expired two years ago and was subsequently granted work authorization, which expired last March. The suspect told authorities he spent a year planning the attack and specifically targeted a 'Zionist group.' Witnesses reported Soliman shouting 'Free Palestine!' before firing a 'makeshift flamethrower' and Molotov cocktails, per the FBI. The victims were participating in a 'Run For Their Lives' event in support of the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza.
