HGTV Star Nicole Curtis Apologizes for Using Racial Slur During Filming of Rehab Addict in Michigan and Faces Show Cancellation

HGTV star Nicole Curtis has publicly apologized after footage surfaced showing her using a racial slur during filming of her long-running series Rehab Addict.

The incident, captured on camera while she was working on a renovation project, has led to the cancellation of the show.

Curtis, 49, emphasized that the language used does not reflect her character or vocabulary, describing the slip as a momentary mistake.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

The footage, published by Radar, shows Curtis at a renovation site removing a wire from a frame when she is heard using the racial epithet. In the clip, she says, “Oh, fart n*****.”

According to reports, the moment was unintentional, and Curtis appeared to immediately regret her words.

In the same video, she can be heard asking the crew to delete the footage: “What the f*** is that I just said? Nick, you gotta, you gotta, can you kill that? F*** my life.”

Radar notes the clip was recorded roughly two years ago and corresponds with scenes from the Nicole Goes West episode in Season 10, which aired in June 2025.

The offensive language, however, was not included in the final episode.

Curtis Speaks Out Amid Backlash

In a statement, Curtis insisted she does not normally use such language.

“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 said.

The cancellation of Rehab Addict by HGTV reportedly caught her off guard.

Curtis told the outlet that while she is grateful for her 15-year career journey, her focus now is on her family and community.

“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 said.

She also added cryptically on Instagram that “there is more” to the situation but emphasized that family takes priority.

HGTV Responds to the Controversy

A spokesperson for HGTV confirmed awareness of the incident and expressed disappointment over the offensive language.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

The network removed Rehab Addict from all platforms and reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across its content and workplace.

Public Reactions Are Mixed

Fans and the public responded to Curtis’ statements in various ways.

Some offered support, highlighting her focus on family: “Nicole, you do whatever you need to do. Family comes first. ALWAYS. GOD BLESS you and your lovely family!” one user wrote.

Others were skeptical, challenging the claim that the word was an accidental slip.

“That word doesn’t slip out unless you use it,” commented another.

Social media also featured critiques that seemed to mock her explanation.

A Career Highlighted by Hands-On Renovations

Rehab Addict, which premiered in 2010, had showcased Curtis’ passion for restoring historic homes.

The series often featured her small, tight-knit crew tackling dilapidated properties, including issues like squatters, drug residue, and human waste.

Curtis has expressed pride in the raw and authentic approach of her projects, emphasizing that most episodes were produced with just two cameras and her construction team, rather than a large production crew.

Last year, the show was pulled mid-season after two episodes, though Curtis framed the decision as a scheduling adjustment rather than controversy.

What’s Next?

At this stage, Curtis has not outlined specific next steps for her career.

Her focus, as she has repeatedly stated, will be on family and personal relationships.

Fans may see Curtis stepping back from the public eye for a while as she navigates the fallout and addresses her personal priorities.

HGTV has yet to announce whether it will replace the show with a new series or adjust its programming slate in the wake of the cancellation.

Summary

Nicole Curtis, star of HGTV’s Rehab Addict, apologized after a leaked video showed her using a racial slur.

The incident led HGTV to cancel the show and remove it from all platforms.

Curtis insisted the language was a rare mistake and not representative of her character, while the network condemned the comment and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion.

Public reaction has been mixed, with some fans offering support and others criticizing her explanation.

Curtis has emphasized that her current priority is family and community, leaving her professional future uncertain.