HGTV Axes Rehab Addict Following Host's Use of Racial Slur on Camera
HGTV has terminated its long-running series Rehab Addict after host Nicole Curtis was captured on camera uttering a racial slur during production. The incident, which occurred approximately two years ago, led to the immediate cancellation of the show on Wednesday, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the popular home renovation program.
Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The controversy unfolded during filming when Curtis, 49, was working on renovations and removing a wire from a frame. Cameras recorded the Lake Orion, Michigan native using the racial epithet, specifically saying, 'Oh, fart n*****.' The clip was subsequently published by Radar, sparking widespread outrage.
In the leaked footage, Curtis appeared to immediately recognize her mistake, urgently asking her cameraman to delete the recording. She was heard saying, 'What the f*** is that I just said? Nick, you gotta, you gotta, can you kill that? F*** my life.' The footage was not included in the final cut of the episode that aired in June 2025, but its emergence proved devastating.
Network Response and Show Cancellation
HGTV responded swiftly to the scandal, announcing the removal of Rehab Addict from all its platforms. A network spokesperson stated, 'We understand that language like this is hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees, and 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.'
The cancellation came as a surprise to Curtis, who revealed the network's decision caught her off-guard. The show had been slated to return after a hiatus, having premiered in 2010 and aired nine seasons following Curtis as she restored historic homes to their former glory.
Curtis's Apology and Public Reaction
Nicole Curtis issued a public apology following the incident, insisting the racial slur was a fluke occurrence. She declared, '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.' In a follow-up statement posted to Instagram, Curtis hinted at additional context, saying 'there is more' to the situation without providing specifics, and emphasized her focus on family.
Public reactions to Curtis's explanation were sharply divided. Some supporters expressed solidarity, with one commenting, 'Nicole you do whatever you need to do. family comes first. ALWAYS. GOD BLESS you and your lovely family!' However, many critics questioned her defense. One skeptic noted, 'There is more? No, not really. That word doesn't slip out unless you use it.' Another mocked, 'I’m sorry I was caught, I’m not sorry I said it.' A particularly pointed response came from a user who wrote, 'Unfollowed,' adding they were 'a white woman that word NEVER "slips" because I don't ever say it.'
Broader Context and Career Impact
This scandal represents a significant setback for Curtis's television career. Just days before the cancellation, she had expressed pride in her authentic approach to production, noting her small crew typically consisted of just two cameras and construction workers. She boasted, 'I'll go to my last breath being proud that I did this more real, more raw than anyone else.'
The incident follows previous disruptions for Rehab Addict, which was pulled from the air mid-series last year after just two episodes. At that time, Curtis explained the hiatus was due to scheduling conflicts, thanking HGTV for being receptive to postponing production until fall. Now, with the show permanently canceled, Curtis told TMZ, '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.'
Daily Mail has reached out to both HGTV and Nicole Curtis for further comment on the developing story.
