Nicole Curtis, longtime host of HGTV’s Rehab Addict, has been fired after a video emerged showing her using a racial slur during filming. The network announced it was severing ties with Curtis, canceling her show, and removing it from HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming platforms.
The Video
RadarOnline published the unaired clip, reportedly filmed two years ago, in which Curtis is seen atop a ladder working on a renovation project. Frustrated with wiring, she blurts out the N-word before quickly realizing what she said. “What the (expletive) is that I just said?” she asked, then requested the footage be deleted.
HGTV’s Response
HGTV issued a statement condemning the language: “Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees – it does not align with the values of HGTV.” The network confirmed the series was pulled from all platforms.
Curtis’s Apology
Curtis apologized in a statement to TMZ, writing: “I want to be clear: the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone.”
She also reflected on her career with HGTV: “I’m grateful for the 15-year journey we’ve shared. It’s been a meaningful chapter, but my focus isn’t on my career. My focus, at this moment, is rightfully on my relationships and my community — the people who truly know my character and where my heart is.”
Fan Backlash
Despite the apology, fans reacted strongly on social media. Curtis initially shared screenshots of critical direct messages on Instagram before deleting them. Comments accused her of casual racism and questioned her explanation. One Reddit user wrote: “She said it so casually. As casually as most people would say ‘oh st’ or ‘damn.’ This was NOT a one-time slip up.”
End of Rehab Addict
Curtis had hosted Rehab Addict since 2010, becoming one of HGTV’s most recognizable personalities. Season 9 premiered in June 2025 but was paused after two episodes due to personal setbacks. The remaining episodes were scheduled to air this week before the show was canceled. The incident has ended Curtis’s 15-year run with HGTV and sparked broader conversations about accountability and the consequences of offensive language in entertainment.
