Rob Rausch knows how to make a reality TV callback count. The “Traitors” Season 4 winner showed up to support Maura Higgins during the “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 premiere, but his choice of accessory quickly became part of the entertainment.

Rausch sat in the ballroom audience holding the burgundy Hermès Birkin bag he bought Higgins after betraying her on “The Traitors.” Cameras caught the 28-year-old reality star cheering while keeping the expensive handbag close, and viewers immediately understood the joke.

The moment happened during the second night of the two-night “Dancing with the Stars” premiere on September 16. Higgins made her ballroom debut alongside professional partner Mark Ballas, another familiar face from “The Traitors” Season 4.

ABC had confirmed ahead of the premiere that Higgins and Ballas would perform a foxtrot to Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet.” What viewers did not know was just how heavily the routine would lean into Higgins’ recent reality TV history.

Rob Rausch and the Birkin Bag Steal Some “DWTS” Attention

Higgins / IG / The “Love Island” alum and Ballas turned the foxtrot into a stylish tribute to “The Traitors.”

Ballas made a dramatic entrance from a coffin, while the performance included dark visuals and references that fans of the Peacock competition could instantly recognize.

Then came the handbag. The Birkin became part of the night’s running joke before cameras found Rausch in the audience holding Higgins’ real bag with voting information displayed on it. Fellow “Traitors” contestant Lisa Rinna sat beside him for the memorable cameo.

The sight was funny enough without any context. With the backstory, the moment became even better because that burgundy handbag represents one of the wildest friendships to emerge from “The Traitors.”

Rausch did not originally buy Higgins the Birkin as a casual present. The former “Love Island USA” contestant promised the luxury bag after pulling off the betrayal that allowed him to take the entire “Traitors” prize pot.

During the Season 4 finale, Higgins believed Rausch was a Faithful. The pair reached the final stage together after Eric Nam was banished, leaving Higgins convinced that she and her trusted ally were about to share the victory.

How a “Traitors” Betrayal Turned Into a Birkin Bag?

Rausch kept his promise during a March 4 appearance with Higgins on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.” Peacock confirms that both “Traitors” stars appeared together on that episode, giving Rausch the perfect setting for his elaborate peace offering.

The reality star even put on gloves before presenting the bag. Higgins opened the recognizable Hermès packaging and quickly forgave her former rival, turning one of the season’s harshest betrayals into a surprisingly funny post-show friendship.

That assistance came from Lisa Rinna. The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum helped Rausch secure the luxury handbag, which explains why her appearance beside him at the “Dancing with the Stars” premiere made the scene feel even more complete.

Reports have placed the value of the Birkin at roughly $16,000 or more, making it one expensive apology. Rausch may have won $220,800 on “The Traitors,” but making peace with Higgins still took a noticeable bite from those winnings.

Months later, the bag has developed a strange reality TV life of its own. It started as a promise after a televised betrayal, became an apology gift on “Watch What Happens Live,” and then resurfaced during Higgins’ “Dancing with the Stars” debut.

Their connection is not disappearing from television anytime soon, either. Entertainment Weekly reported in September that Higgins and Rausch are set to reunite as co-hosts of a new Peacock reality competition with the working title “Get Me Out of Here,” expected to premiere in 2027.

Maura Higgins Makes a Strong “Dancing with the Stars” Debut

Higgins / IG / Higgins, 35, delivered one of the strongest performances of the premiere with Ballas.

The TV personality and the veteran “Dancing with the Stars” pro earned 21 points out of 30 for their foxtrot. That score placed them at the top of the leaderboard for the night, giving Higgins an impressive start despite her limited dance experience.

Judge Bruno Tonioli was particularly impressed by the quality of her movement so early in the competition. Higgins sounded equally surprised by the result and later credited Ballas for turning difficult rehearsals into a polished first performance.

Rob Rausch Goes Viral for Supporting Co-Star Maura Higgins at "DWTS" With Her Birkin Bag in Hand

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