Maia Gouveia, a contestant on the current season of 'The Traitors', is facing scrutiny after allegedly using a company credit card without authorization.
The 25-year-old, who stars alongside her sister Armani on the hit BBC series, previously worked as a social media manager for gifting company Bubblegum Stuff.
Gouveia was fired last year after just three months of employment for failing to notify her employer about a holiday to Trinidad in February 2024. Six months after her termination, it was discovered that Maia had saved the company credit card details to her personal Apple Pay and used them to make several unauthorized purchases.
The card, owned by Bubblegum Stuff—founded by 'The Apprentice' 2016 runner-up Courtney Wood—was promptly blocked, and the incident was reported to the police. Maia later claimed the charges were accidental. A source close to her revealed Maia regrets her actions, citing the pressures of being a new mother as a contributing factor. Her father reportedly visited the company’s office to apologize, and Wood ultimately chose not to pursue the matter further.
Currently pregnant with her second child, Maia is one of 25 contestants vying for a £120,000 prize on 'The Traitors'. The reality show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, challenges players to detect hidden "Traitors" among their ranks. In a dramatic turn, Maia's sister Armani, who worked undercover as one of the Traitors, was banished after Maia admitted she suspected her sibling's role in the game.
Reflecting on her decision to join the show, Maia shared that her competitive nature and financial needs motivated her. "I binge-watched the last series and thought I could do it better," she said, also admitting excitement about using her skills as a "natural liar" in the competition.
The upcoming episode of 'The Traitors' promises more drama, with three contestants who previously exited the competition returning under mysterious circumstances. The stakes remain high as the Faithful race to unmask the Traitors before becoming their next victims.
By connecting her employment controversy, personal challenges, and role on the reality show, Maia's story illustrates the blurred lines between public persona and personal history, keeping audiences intrigued.
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