Fans of "The Traitors" expressed frustration and disbelief following a mission where players had to choose between acquiring shields to protect themselves from murder or increasing the prize money. In the mission, eight stone cherub statues were available, each with a shield underneath. However, for every shield taken, £1,000 was deducted from the prize pot. Seven shields were taken, reducing the prize money to £3,000.
The core of the controversy lies in the Traitors' decision to murder a player instead of recruiting a new member, as they had planned. With many players having acquired shields, the Traitors, Rachel and Stephen, were aware that their chances of a successful murder were significantly reduced. They were debating between murdering Jessie, Fraser, or Adam, with Jessie and Fraser having obtained shields. Fans speculated that if Adam, the only one without a shield, was murdered, it would imply other players were Traitors. Many viewers on social media criticized the Traitors' choice as "stupid," believing they should have focused on recruiting rather than risking a failed murder attempt.