Former Partner Speaks Out in Defence of Fired HGTV Star
The ex-boyfriend of television personality Nicole Curtis has publicly defended her character following her dismissal from HGTV, asserting that she is not a racist despite a leaked video showing her using a racial slur. Ryan Sawtelle, who worked with Curtis on the now-cancelled series Rehab Addict, made these comments to TMZ, revealing a complex personal history with the host.
A Controversial Clip Leads to Cancellation
HGTV terminated its relationship with Curtis on Wednesday after footage published by Radar depicted the 49-year-old preservation expert uttering the phrase, 'Oh, fart n*****,' while working on renovations. The network removed Rehab Addict from all platforms, citing that such language contradicts its values of respect and inclusion. A spokesperson emphasised the hurtful impact on viewers, partners, and employees.
Sawtelle, who dated Curtis intermittently over a decade, described their relationship as ending poorly and labelled her a 'bad person.' However, he insisted on her lack of racist intent. 'As much as I dislike her - and it may be validating to see her get in trouble - she is unequivocally not a racist,' Sawtelle stated. 'Nor has she ever said anything racially insensitive over the years we dated, and I have known her a long time.'
Conflicting Accounts and Allegations
According to Sawtelle, he was holding the ladder for Curtis when the incident occurred, and the crew laughed because the utterance was so unexpected. He noted that Curtis has faced criticism for mistreating crew members and legal issues over unpaid business associates, suggesting the leak was unsurprising. 'The bottom line here is that videos like this are not leaked to damage "good" people,' he remarked.
In response, Curtis implied the video was manipulated and edited to tarnish her reputation. She clarified that the footage was not originally filmed for HGTV but for personal documentation of a house restoration in 2022, a year without a network contract. Curtis apologised for the slur, stressing it is not part of her vocabulary, and expressed shock at the cancellation, which halted the show's planned return after a hiatus.
Personal Strife and Public Reactions
Curtis revealed that communication with Sawtelle has been limited to attorneys in recent years, and he had no involvement in her self-funded productions. She criticised his credibility, saying her construction crew dislikes him due to their tumultuous past. 'My guys do not care for him because of the hell I went through with knowing him,' Curtis explained.
Public reactions to her Instagram statement were mixed. Some supporters urged her to prioritise family, while others doubted her explanation. One user commented, 'That word doesn't slip out unless you use it,' reflecting broader scepticism. The leaked video shows Curtis immediately regretting her words, asking the cameraman to delete the footage.
Background and Fallout
Rehab Addict premiered in 2010, focusing on Curtis restoring historic homes. It was previously pulled mid-series last year, with Curtis citing production challenges. In the wake of the scandal, she emphasised her dedication to community and relationships over her career. The incident has ignited debates about whether a single mistake should end a professional journey, highlighting tensions between accountability and redemption in the public eye.
