Nicole Curtis Speaks Out Following HGTV’s Cancellation of Rehab Addict Due to Racial Slur Incident
Rehab Addict host Nicole Curtis has spoken out following HGTV’s decision to remove all episodes of the show from its platforms.
On Wednesday, February 11, RadarOnline reported footage of Curtis, 49, using a racial slur during a renovation for the well-known home restoration series. Although the remark was recorded, it was not included in the episode aired in June 2025, according to RadarOnline.
In response, Warner Bros. Discovery-owned HGTV immediately canceled future episodes of Rehab Addict, which were set to debut on Wednesday, and pulled previous episodes from HBO Max and Discovery+.
“HGTV was recently alerted to an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict. Such language is hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees — and it does not reflect the values of HGTV,” the network stated to Us Weekly on Wednesday. “Consequently, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and workplace.”
Following the news of her show’s cancellation, Curtis took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, saying, “There is more to this, but my family is my top priority and I need to be mom right now… I promise to remain transparent and honest with you. TMZ reached out to me right after I turned my phone back on after being at school – I shared a brief message, but there’s more to say…”
In another Instagram Story, Curtis shared a text message conversation with TMZ, addressing her use of the racial slur and the unexpected cancellation of Rehab Addict.
“I’m thankful for the 15-year journey with HGTV. It’s been a significant chapter, but right now, my focus is not on my career,” she wrote to a TMZ reporter. “At this moment, my attention is on my relationships and my community – the people who truly understand my character and heart.”
Curtis further stated, “I want to clarify that the term in question is wrong, has never been in my vocabulary, and I sincerely apologize to everyone.”
“As mentioned, I’ve been busy as a mom all day and unplugged,” Curtis concluded. “I understand my shows were airing, but my family comes first, and I’m just catching up on everything now.”
In resurfaced footage from the Rehab Addict set, released by RadarOnline on Wednesday, Curtis was seen using the slur during a renovation project in Wyoming.
“Why? It’s the last one,” she said in the clip, expressing frustration with the renovation. “Oh, fart [n-word].”
Upon realizing her comment, Curtis appeared taken aback and asked the camera crew to erase the footage.
“What the f*** did I just say?” she exclaimed. “Can you cut that?” she asked, as someone offscreen seemed to laugh.
Curtis then added, “F*** my life.”
Rehab Addict first premiered in 2010 on the DIY Network (now part of the Magnolia Network) before transitioning to HGTV for its fourth season in 2014.
