Salem witch trials help explain why Faithfuls fail to spot real Traitors, says David Olusoga | The Traitors

Salem witch trials help explain why Faithfuls fail to spot real Traitors, says David Olusoga | The Traitors

May 26, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Entertainment

Broadcaster and historian David Olusoga has drawn striking parallels between the psychological pressure of the BBC hit show Celebrity Traitors and some of history’s most notorious periods of persecution.

The Velocity of Suspicion

Speaking at a panel during the Hay festival alongside fellow cast members Clare Balding and Harriet Tyce, Olusoga described the roundtable discussions as “frightening.” He noted the extreme speed with which a simple suspicion can transform into belief, faith, and eventually, condemnation.

The Velocity of Suspicion
David Olusoga Spanish Inquisition Salem witch trials parallel

“It’s at the heart of what happens in Stalin’s Russia, I think it’s at the heart of what happens in the Salem witch trials at the end of the 17th century, of the Spanish inquisition,” Olusoga stated.

Did You Know? Olusoga highlighted that the “myth” of the Gestapo involved arrests that often began not with surveillance, but with citizens making phone calls, sending letters, or visiting in person to report others.

The Power of Denouncement

Olusoga emphasized that the most critical element of the game is “denouncement,” where a confident voice initiates a rumor. He explained that once this “snowball” begins, it can pass seamlessly from a rumor into an official process in a way that is “absolutely terrifying.”

Clare Balding agreed, describing the experience as a “wave” coming toward the contestant. She admitted that she felt unable to fight or defend herself against the momentum of the group’s conviction.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the stakes of the roundtable are heightened by the psychological trade-off between social politeness and survival. When contestants prioritize decorum over aggressive defence, they may become more susceptible to the “groupthink” that drives the game’s eliminations.

Psychological Collapse and Group Dynamics

Olusoga compared the behavior of accused Faithfuls to footage of Russian show trials. He observed that instead of protesting their innocence, victims often “diminish” and go silent when framed as enemies of the people.

“It was a gamble” | Inside the making of Celebrity Traitors

Balding noted that a specific in-group had formed, consisting of herself, Charlotte Church, Ruth Codd, Paloma Faith, and Olusoga. She believes a Traitor likely identified this alliance and moved to dismantle it.

Balding further compared the targeting of independent women, including Celia Imrie, to the historical identification of witches. She suggested that those who know their own minds and resist groupthink would have been in “big trouble” during the era of witch burnings.

Looking Ahead

These revelations may influence how future contestants approach the roundtable. Players could potentially adopt more aggressive deflection tactics, which Balding noted are frequently used by politicians as an effective defence mechanism.

Looking Ahead
Clare Balding BBC Celebrity Traitors groupthink moment

future cohorts may be more aware of the “wave” of suspicion, which could lead to a shift in how Faithfuls attempt to prove their innocence before the snowball of rumor becomes unstoppable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who participated in the Hay festival panel?
The panel included David Olusoga, Clare Balding, and Harriet Tyce.

What historical examples did David Olusoga use to explain the game?
He cited Stalin’s Russia, the Salem witch trials, the Spanish Inquisition, and the methods of the Gestapo.

Which contestants did Clare Balding identify as part of her in-group?
The group consisted of Balding, Charlotte Church, Ruth Codd, Paloma Faith, and David Olusoga.

Do you think a more aggressive defence strategy would be more effective in rooting out Traitors?