HGTV Cancels Rehab Addict After Nicole Curtis’ Shocking Racial Slur Goes Viral
HGTV has pulled its long-running series Rehab Addict after star Nicole Curtis was caught on camera using a racial slur during filming.
The video, which surfaced on Radar Online on February 11, the same day the show was scheduled to return, shows Curtis saying the n-word with a hard r and then realizing her mistake, asking to “kill” the moment. The clip quickly went viral, sparking outrage.
HGTV star Nicole Curtis of "Rehab Addict" caught on camera using a Racial slur pic.twitter.com/MtYIo85DaC
— We told you So (@terri4436166795) February 11, 2026
In response, HGTV released a statement saying, “Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees—it does not align with the values of HGTV. Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
Curtis issued her own apology to TMZ, stating, “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 added, “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.”
She later shared part of a text conversation on Instagram Stories, saying, “There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else.” She also emphasized her commitment to honesty and transparency, noting that there was more context to the incident.
Rehab Addict, which premiered in 2010, followed Curtis as she restored historic homes that were at risk of demolition. After a long hiatus, the show returned to HGTV in June 2025 for its ninth season.
Curtis previously explained that the delay was due to a personal setback, saying, “I had a setback in my life that just rocked me to the core, and it was one of those moments where I thought, how do I get through this one?” She added, “I prayed on it and it was just devastating for me. I had to make a decision right there and then like, ‘Okay, we’re going to let this affect us for a very long time, or we’re going to pick it up and go.’”
The series aired two episodes before Curtis announced in July 2025 that she had decided to pause the remainder of the season. In October, she shared on Instagram that she had “recut” the remaining episodes following discussions with HGTV. Earlier this month, both Curtis and HGTV teased a return, announcing that new episodes would air on February 11. However, the controversy led the network to remove the show entirely.
This incident marks a major turning point for Curtis and Rehab Addict, highlighting how a single moment can impact a long-standing career. While Curtis has expressed remorse and emphasized her focus on family and community, the cancellation underscores the zero-tolerance stance networks are taking on offensive language.
This is a serious reminder that public figures are accountable for their words, especially when their actions are captured on camera. Curtis’ apology shows some accountability, but the situation reflects broader issues around sensitivity and responsibility in media. What do you think about HGTV’s decision and Curtis’ response? Share your thoughts in the comments.
