- - 'Boston' Rob Mariano Reacts to “The Traitors'” Anti-Cyberbullying Statement: 'We’re All Real People' (Exclusive)

Brianne TracyJanuary 29, 2026 at 11:21 PM

0

'Boston' Rob Mariano

Michael Tullberg/Getty

"Boston" Rob Mariano is revealing his reaction to The Traitors' recent anti-cyberbullying statement

The show released a statement saying that "whatever happens in the game should never lead to cyberbullying or harassment" after several season 4 players were targeted by negative commentary online

Mariano is recapping season 4 of the show with his fellow Traitors season 3 alum Bob the Drag Queen on The Traitors Official Podcast

Traitors alum "Boston" Rob Mariano is sharing his thoughts on the show's recent anti-cyberbullying statement.

The Peacock reality-competition series released a statement on Saturday, Jan. 24 saying that "whatever happens in the game should never lead to cyberbullying or harassment," amid negative online commentary about several of the players on season 4.

"I think the one thing that Traitors and Peacock and NBC and Studio Lambert does really well is they always try to protect their cast, and they've always shown grace," Mariano tells PEOPLE. "So, I think it was a nice gesture for them to step in and say, 'Hey, we're all just playing a game. We're all real people in the real world. Give these people a break.' I think that was the right thing to do."

Looking back on his foray into the world of reality TV with Survivor: Marquesas in 2002, Mariano, 50, says "it's funny because I've been doing this so long that the internet was brand new when I first started — never mind social media."

"There was no social media at all," he says. "So, I understand the added pressure, but at the same time, it's like you can't let other people steal your joy or dictate what was authentic and real to you. Don't let them taint your experience."

"Part of me wants to say, 'Just don't look at the comments. Turn it off, and pretend like it doesn't exist,' " he continues. "But I'm also realistic in the fact that it does affect people that they're talked negatively about."

Bob the Drag Queen (left) and 'Boston' Rob Mariano on 'The Traitors Official Podcast'

Griffin Nagel/Peacock

Days before The Traitors released their statement, season 4 player Ron Funches revealed that fans’ discussions about his behavior on the show helped him discover he's on the autism spectrum.

"Well the internet told me I was autistic and was right," Funches, 42, wrote on his Instagram Stories. "You win this round. Still not gay. Yet. Thanks @thetraitorsus for helping me find out more about me through some type of cruel trauma."

Bob the Drag Queen, 'Boston' Rob Mariano and Ron Funches on 'The Traitors Official Podcast'

Griffin Nagel/Peacock

There's also been lots of online discussion about the on-screen showdown that occurred between Lisa Rinna and Colton Underwood during the Thursday, Jan. 22 episode. After the episode aired, Rinna, 62, shaded Underwood, 34, on Threads, calling him a "stalker," an apparent reference to the restraining order his ex Cassie Randolph filed against him for alleged harassment and stalking in 2020, but later dropped.

Rinna later went on to apologize to Underwood on her Instagram Stories, saying, "It's come to my attention that my post that I responded to in my Housewife mode is taking on a life of its own and it’s causing real problems for Colton and I do not want this because Colton and I are great."

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In its statement, The Traitors had reminded fans that "there's a difference between discussing a show and targeting individuals."

"Let's not ruin the passion for this show with unwarranted negativity and personal attacks," the show said.

As season 4 of The Traitors continues, Mariano and his fellow Traitors season 3 alum Bob the Drag Queen are recapping each episode on The Traitors Official Podcast. Every week, the duo break down gameplay and also sit down with banished or murdered players to shed light on their experiences in the castle.

"We're having a lot of fun," says Mariano. "One of the biggest things that got me excited about doing this podcast was working with Bob again. So, I've been having a blast."

New episodes of the companion podcast drop Thursdays, after The Traitors airs on Peacock. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcast platforms. Video episodes will be available same-day on Peacock and next-day on Peacock's The Traitors YouTube channel.

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”