Maura Higgins reached the explosive finale of *The Traitors* Season 4 on Feb. 26, only to suffer one of the show's most devastating betrayals when her closest ally, fellow *Love Island* star Rob Rausch, revealed himself as the last remaining Traitor and took the entire $220,800 prize pot.

The Traitors US
The Traitors US

The Irish TV personality and *Love Island U.K.* alum made it to the final two as a Faithful, convinced she and Rausch would split the winnings. Instead, host Alan Cumming's dramatic reveal left Higgins stunned, tearful and calling Rausch a "good liar" and "absolute a--hole" in the heat of the moment.

Higgins' journey to the end highlighted her loyalty and blind trust in Rausch, whom she leaned on heavily throughout the season due to their shared reality TV background. Critics and fans praised her as one of the most memorable characters, with her signature accent, bold fashion and endearing gameplay making her a standout despite strategic missteps.

The finale began with six players: Traitors Rausch and Eric Nam, alongside Faithfuls Higgins, Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir and Mark Ballas. After the final murder of Ballas, the group faced intense Round Table debates. Weir was banished first, followed by Lipinski in a pivotal vote where Higgins sided with Rausch and Nam, eliminating her fellow Faithful.

With three remaining — Higgins, Rausch and Nam — suspicions peaked. Rausch convinced Higgins that Nam was the Traitor, leading to his banishment. This left Higgins and Rausch alone. In a cheeky moment, Higgins teased, "I'm sorry... but I'm a Faithful!" expecting Rausch to reciprocate. Instead, he confessed he had been a Traitor since day one.

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Higgins' reaction was raw: shock turned to disbelief, then anger. "I was so convinced, you've embarrassed me," she told him. "You're never gonna have a girlfriend after this — you're such a good liar." She later laughed through tears in a confessional, admitting, "I actually tought I was winnin'! I really did."

Post-reveal, Rausch expressed remorse, promising to buy Higgins a Hermès Birkin bag — worth at least $10,000 — as an apology using part of his winnings. "It's the least I can do," he said in interviews, emphasizing their genuine friendship beyond the game.

The reunion special, streaming alongside the finale on Peacock, addressed the fallout. Higgins described being "genuinely shocked," while Rausch defended his gameplay as necessary. Co-stars like Lisa Rinna noted the betrayal's impact, but many praised Rausch's masterful deception, comparing it to Cirie Fields' Season 1 win as the only other Traitor to claim the full prize solo.

Higgins' performance drew widespread appreciation. Vulture called her the "cream of the crop" for her loyalty and inability to suspect Rausch, noting how the edit showcased why she was doomed: relying on his kindness without questioning his role. The Ringer highlighted her as the season's most pivotal player, holding the power without realizing it until too late.

Fans on social media and Reddit celebrated her as a "diva," flooding platforms with memes and support. Comments ranged from heartbreak over her loss to admiration for her entertaining presence in skintight outfits and unfiltered commentary.

Higgins entered the castle somewhat unfamiliar with the format but quickly became a fan favorite through challenges and alliances. She survived multiple murders and banishments by staying close to Rausch, who protected her as his ideal endgame partner due to her trustworthiness.

The finale's drama stemmed from Rausch's strategy: orchestrating the eliminations of original Traitors and recruits while keeping Higgins loyal. He turned on Nam at the critical moment, securing his solo victory and adding $100,000 in bonuses along the way.

Though she left empty-handed, Higgins' run underscored *The Traitors*' core appeal: psychological tension, shocking twists and unforgettable personalities. Her final moments — from confident gloating at the firepit to stunned silence — encapsulated the show's emotional highs and lows.

As Season 4 concludes, Higgins' betrayal has sparked debates about trust, gameplay and reality TV friendships. Rausch's win cements him as a strategic force, but Higgins' heartfelt reaction may linger longest in viewers' minds.

All episodes, including the reunion, stream on Peacock, fueling ongoing discussions about one of the series' most talked-about finales.