Lisa Rinna has publicly apologized for calling Colton Underwood a “stalker” after her remark led to him receiving death threats, with both celebrities and the show ‘The Traitors’ urging fans to end the online harassment. The incident highlights the fine line between reality TV entertainment and real-world consequences, sparking discussions about cyberbullying and responsibility in digital spaces.
The controversy erupted when Rinna, known from ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ responded to a fan post on social media by labeling Underwood a “stalker” in reference to their rivalry on the Peacock series ‘The Traitors.’ Her comment quickly gained traction online, resurfacing Underwood’s past legal issues and triggering a wave of abusive messages directed at the former Bachelor star. This viral moment underscored how offhand remarks in the context of reality TV can escalate into serious personal attacks beyond the screen.
In response, Rinna took to her Instagram Stories on Saturday to retract her statement and plead for calm. She explained that her remark was made ‘in housewife mode’ as part of the game on ‘The Traitors,’ emphasizing that she and Underwood are on good terms and have been texting each other. Rinna explicitly asked her followers to ‘please be gentle’ and refrain from sending death threats or endangering Underwood’s family, stressing that the show is intended for entertainment and not real-life conflict.
Underwood’s association with the ‘stalker’ label dates back to a 2020 restraining order filed by his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Randolph, whom he met on ‘The Bachelor.’ Randolph accused Underwood of stalking and harassment, including allegations that he placed a tracking device on her car. Although the restraining order was dropped later that year, the resurfacing of these details amidst Rinna’s comment reignited public scrutiny and placed Underwood in a vulnerable position, leading to the reported death threats.
The backlash prompted ‘The Traitors’ to release an official statement condemning the cyberbullying and calling for an end to ‘unwarranted negativity and personal attacks.’ The show’s producers emphasized their commitment to cast safety, urging fans to distinguish between discussing the program and targeting individuals. This response highlights the growing concern within the entertainment industry about the real-world impacts of viral moments and online harassment linked to reality TV narratives.
Rinna and Underwood’s dynamic on ‘The Traitors’ is portrayed as a strategic rivalry, with both stars engaging in the game’s deceptive elements. Rinna clarified that her initial comment was all in good fun and integral to the show’s plot, not a personal attack. She expressed regret over the unintended consequences, illustrating how the blur between scripted entertainment and authentic interactions can lead to harmful outcomes when audiences take things too seriously.
This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online harassment in the age of social media and reality television. As shows like ‘The Traitors’ captivate audiences, the boundary between fictional drama and actual harm becomes increasingly porous, raising ethical questions about the responsibilities of both performers and viewers. It calls for more mindful engagement with media to prevent entertainment from crossing into abuse.
Moving forward, Rinna and the show’s team hope that fans will heed their appeals for civility, fostering a healthier environment for discussing reality TV. The incident may prompt broader industry reflections on how to mitigate such risks, potentially influencing future content and fan interactions to prioritize safety and respect over sensationalism.
