Nicole Curtis, star of HGTV’s long-running renovation series “Rehab Addict,” finds herself at the center of controversy after a 2022 video surfaced showing her using a racial slur during filming.
The network swiftly canceled her show this week.
Curtis has since issued an apology while claiming the footage was “stolen then manipulated, edited and sold to a tabloid” to damage her reputation.
The incident raises questions about accountability, second chances, and what happens when private moments become public scandals.
What Happened in the Resurfaced Video
In the clip that circulated online, Curtis appears to accidentally utter the N-word while working on a home renovation. Her immediate reaction shows visible shock.
What the fuck is that that I just said?
Curtis then quickly instructs someone on her production team to “kill that,” meaning delete the footage from the episode.
The video remained buried for nearly three years until it leaked online in 2025, just as Season 9 of “Rehab Addict” was preparing to return to air.
HGTV’s Swift Response
HGTV didn’t hesitate once they became aware of the footage.
HGTV was recently made 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.
The network told Variety they removed the entire series from all HGTV platforms, scrubbing 15 years of Curtis’s work from their lineup. The decision signals zero tolerance for racial slurs, regardless of context or timing.
Season 9 had just premiered two episodes in July 2025 before Curtis decided to delay the remaining episodes for re-editing. Those episodes were scheduled to return February 12 but have now been permanently shelved.
Curtis’s Lengthy Apology
Taking to Instagram on Thursday night, Curtis posted an extensive statement addressing the controversy. She expressed remorse while simultaneously claiming the footage was stolen and manipulated.
I am sorry. I am filled with remorse and regret, just as much as I was one second after that word was said 4 years ago in 2022.
Curtis insisted she’s not playing victim but wanted to provide context for her actions.
Her Explanation for Using the Slur
In her statement, Curtis attempted to explain how such a word could come out of her mouth. She cited her pattern of creating nonsensical word combinations when frustrated.
I throw together words, this is documented on 15 years of TV, interviews, posts of these random words. The most famous “son of a beehive digger” which took the place of SOB when I became a mommy and could not swear on TV.
Curtis also mentioned her deep connections within African American communities throughout her career in Detroit and Minneapolis. She acknowledged hearing that word frequently in her daily life but emphasized she understands its painful history.
I am the white, small blonde in the neighborhood who knows that’s a word that represents evil, pain, torture, trauma when used by someone like me. And yet, it came from me…..
Questioning Her Own Actions
Curtis admitted she doesn’t have a satisfactory answer for why the word came out so easily, despite her awareness of its weight and history.
You ask – how did that just easily come out. I don’t have an answer for that. It did and it shocked me as shown.
She emphasized she’s not addressing the controversy simply because she was “caught” but because she genuinely believes what she said was wrong.
Claims of Manipulation and Timing
Curtis maintains the footage was deliberately leaked at a strategic moment. The clip surfaced just as her show was preparing to return after months of delay, leading her to believe someone wanted to sabotage her comeback.
I show this, I say this and I realize you are getting a limited view as what has been circulating is a clip of MY footage that was stolen then manipulated, edited and sold to a tabloid to coincide with my return to television only to create this chaos of hate, anger, disappointment.
However, Curtis didn’t specify what manipulation or editing occurred, nor did she deny saying what appears in the video.
Career Impact and What’s Next
With “Rehab Addict” now completely removed from HGTV platforms, Curtis faces an uncertain professional future. Her 15-year relationship with the network has ended abruptly.
Whether she can rebuild her television career remains unclear. Public opinion appears divided between those willing to accept her apology and explanation, and those who believe using such language—regardless of context—is unforgivable.
Curtis concluded her apology by taking full responsibility for her words.
I make no excuse for this. I am not a victim. Nothing I say or do will take that moment 4 years ago away. I know it was wrong. This will never happen again.
The incident serves as another reminder that in today’s media landscape, nothing stays buried forever—and one moment can unravel decades of work.