Tensions between reality television personalities Lisa Rinna and Colton Underwood have escalated during the fourth season of *The Traitors*. On January 23, 2024, Rinna publicly accused Underwood of being a “stalker” in a post on Threads, referring to his past alleged harassment of ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph. This exchange highlights the ongoing friction between the two, both on and off-screen.
Rinna’s comments emerged after a fan shared a meme featuring her iconic line from *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, cautioning Underwood not to provoke her. The fan remarked, “THIS is who Colton thinks he’s slick up against? GOOD LUCK BUDDY!” This fan interaction coincided with Underwood’s attempts to have Rinna voted off during the January 22 episode, where he openly criticized her demeanor and actions, including her decision to banish fellow contestant Porsha Williams from the game.
Public reaction to Rinna’s accusation was swift, with many supporting her stance. One user praised her, saying, “Lisa. You are an icon.” Another user chimed in, suggesting that the subject of Underwood’s past actions should be addressed at the season reunion, referencing the restraining order Randolph filed against him in 2020.
Underwood gained fame as the lead on *The Bachelor* season 23 in 2019, during which he was not openly gay. He ultimately chose Randolph, though they did not become engaged. Their relationship ended in May 2020 after two years, following a series of troubling incidents. Notably, in September 2020, Randolph was granted a restraining order against Underwood, alleging that he harassed her and tracked her movements.
Although Randolph later dropped the restraining order, the events cast a long shadow over Underwood’s public image. He came out as gay in April 2021 and expressed regret for his past behavior, stating, “I never want people to think that I’m coming out to change the narrative.” He denied any physical abuse during his relationship with Randolph, although he acknowledged that his actions were wrong.
In an October 2022 podcast appearance, Randolph expressed relief over Underwood’s acceptance of his sexuality, but noted that the period surrounding their breakup was overwhelming for her. She mentioned, “It was a very just overall hard time for me, so I feel like there was just one thing after another.”
While both Underwood and Randolph have moved on—Underwood married Jordan C. Brown in 2023, and Randolph wed Brighton Reinhardt in 2025—the fallout from their relationship remains relevant in contemporary discussions. Rinna’s comments are not isolated; fellow reality star Paige DeSorbo also criticized Underwood during a January 20 podcast episode, arguing that his past behavior should not be overlooked. She emphasized that he should not receive a favorable portrayal on television, labeling him as “disgusting” and a “stalker weirdo.”
As the drama unfolds on *The Traitors*, it continues to resonate with audiences, raising discussions about accountability and the portrayal of controversial figures in entertainment. With the season airing weekly on Peacock, viewers are eager to see how these tensions will develop further.
