Colton Underwood recently made waves by joining the fourth season of The Traitors, a reality competition that brings together contestants from various franchises, creating an exciting mix of fan followings. Unlike the survival-based contests of shows like Beyond the Edge, Underwood found The Traitors appealing for its gameplay focused on strategy and competition, allowing him to step back into the spotlight while maintaining some personal distance.
In a candid interview, Underwood expressed his enthusiasm for the game, citing his love for competition as a driving factor for participating. He discussed his priorities shifting towards family and mental health in recent years, stating that filming The Traitors was an enjoyable experience. However, tensions arose during episode 5 when actor Michael Rapaport made a controversial comment insinuating that Underwood’s past as a closeted individual suggested he would excel at deceit within the game. Underwood recognized that these remarks crossed a line, emphasizing a crucial unspoken rule within competitive environments: to avoid making things personal.
Underwood skillfully navigated the intense atmosphere, responding calmly to Rapaport’s comments, which he described as deflating the energy of the room. The moment underscored a significant societal conversation about assumptions regarding sexuality and personal histories, with Underwood noting the broader implications of such remarks.
Reflecting on his journey, Underwood acknowledged that his time in the reality television sphere has been highly scrutinized. While many viewers have followed and supported his growth since his early days on The Bachelor, others have harbored resentment towards him due to past controversies, including a tumultuous relationship with his ex, Cassie Randolph. The unique crossover nature of The Traitors allowed audiences who may be unfamiliar with Underwood’s history to witness his evolution firsthand.
“I’m a polarizing figure, I know that,” he stated, recognizing the varied public perceptions of him. “Some people are rooting for me, while others will never understand.” This awareness has shaped his current perspective as he strives to focus on positive reinforcement and the support he receives from his family and husband.
Underwood’s style evolution has also become a talking point during his Traitors stint. He embraced more daring fashion choices compared to his previous “jock” image on The Bachelor, demonstrating a playful side as he prepared for competition on a visually dynamic show. As he cheerfully mentioned, participating in a hit series hosted by Alan Cumming encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone in terms of fashion.
The Traitors season 4 is currently available for streaming on Peacock, and Underwood’s participation is seen as a hopeful step towards further growth and self-empowerment within the ever-competitive landscape of reality TV.