HGTV cancels ‘Rehab Addict’ after host Nicole Curtis uses racial slur
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted on social media
Author of the article:Eddie Chau
Published Feb 12, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read
John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party Hosted By Chrysler
TV personality Nicole Curtis attends John Varvatos Detroit Store Opening Party hosted by Chrysler on April 16, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. Photo by Loreen Sarkis /Getty Images for John Varvatos
Cable television network HGTV has canned its popular home restoration show “Rehab Addict” after host Nicole Curtis was caught hurling a racial slur while filming.
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted on social media by Radar Online on Wednesday, the same day “Rehab Addict” was scheduled to return to air.
In the video, Curtis can be seen on a ladder struggling to attach something to the ceiling.
“Oh, fart n*****,” Curtis says, seemingly out of frustration, before quickly realizing what she said.
“What the f*** is that, that I just said? she followed up, before asking the cameraman to stop filming.
“F*** my life,” she said as the clip ends.
WARNING: Video contains offensive language
‘Hurtful and disappointing’
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, HGTV said it was aware of an “offensive racial comment made during the filming of “Rehab Addict.”
“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.”
“Rehab Addict” ran on HGTV for eight seasons.
Curtis
“Rehab Addict” host Nicole Curtis addresses her fans in an Instagram story. (Instagram/@detroitdesign)
Curtis apologizes, says there’s ‘more to this’
Curtis took to her Instagram Stories to address the situation, stating “there is more to this” as she turns her focus to her family, “more than anything else.”
“There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. I will take the time to be as I’ve always been with you, transparent and honest,” Curtis wrote.
“TMZ called me as I had just turned my phone on after being at school — I said this briefly — but there is more.”
In a follow-up post, Curtis shared a screenshot of a text message statement she sent to TMZ in which she apologized.
“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,” she said. “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.
“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.”
Curtis then shared more screenshots of Instagram messages she received from outraged viewers, many of whom called her racist.
“Rehab Addict” followed Curtis as she restored historic homes slated for demolition in Detroit and Minneapolis. The first three seasons ran on DIY Network before transferring to HGTV in 2014.
The first two episodes of the new season aired in July 2025 before Curtis said on Instagram that she made the “executive decision to shelf” the remainder of the season until the fall.
The remaining new episodes were set to air beginning on Feb. 11 until HGTV cancelled the show.
6,987 likes, 298 comments - detroitdesign on July 8, 2025: "First, THANK YOU for making Rehab Addict a number one rated show, again. You came out and shocked the heck out of all of us with the numbers ❤️❤️ if you missed the first two, watch them now streaming or don’t worry, I’m bringing those...
instagram.com
Nicole Curtis is addressing the controversy surrounding HGTV pulling her show "Rehab Addict" from its platforms following the release of leaked footage showing her using a racial slur during filming.
tmz.com
New episodes of season nine were initially set to return to the network this week.
hollywoodreporter.com
A video clip of Curtis using the N-word in unaired footage shot for the show was posted by Radar Online. Read what she said and her response
torontosun.com