Nicole Curtis, the familiar face behind HGTV’s Rehab Addict, is at the center of a major television controversy after a video showing her uttering a racial slur during filming surfaced — and the fallout has been swift and dramatic.
Just as new episodes of Rehab Addict were scheduled to debut, the network announced that it was pulling the series from its platforms and ending its long run due to the incident. This news has ignited widespread discussion about accountability, media responsibility, and Curtis’s future in the industry.
TV Sensation Abruptly Derailed
Rehab Addict, a beloved home renovation show that had been on the air since 2010, has been removed from HGTV, HBO Max and Discovery+ after video footage emerged of Nicole Curtis using an offensive racial slur while cameras were rolling. The clip reportedly dates from filming done in Wyoming and was not included in the episode when it first aired.
HGTV confirmed its decision to cancel the series and remove all episodes following the circulation of the footage, emphasizing that the language used was “hurtful and disappointing,” and did not reflect the values the network aims to uphold.
This abrupt cancellation came just as new episodes were set to premiere — a dramatic last-minute shift that stunned fans and industry observers.
Be sure to comment on how you think this should impact her career below.
What Happened on Set?
According to reports, footage released online shows Curtis in the middle of a renovation project, visibly frustrated with some aspect of the work. In that moment, she can be heard using a racially offensive word — something that immediately sparked outrage once the video began circulating.
In the clip, she reacts in shock after the slur leaves her mouth, apparently recognizing the severity of what she has said. She is then heard asking the production crew to remove the footage.
What’s notable is that this portion of the footage was never aired on television. It came to light only when copied and distributed online, triggering an intense public reaction and forcing HGTV to act quickly.
Network Response and Cancellation
HGTV issued a statement saying the comment was offensive and contrary to the network’s standards, and that as a result, the series was being removed entirely from its platforms, including streaming services.
The network added that it remains committed to creating content and a workplace culture rooted in respect and inclusion.
This response came in under 24 hours of the video surfacing, marking one of the quickest cancelations of a long-running reality show in recent years.
Curtis’s Reaction and Public Statement
Shortly after the cancellation announcement, Nicole Curtis took to social media to respond. In her statement, she acknowledged the incident and apologized for her language, insisting that the word used “is not part of my vocabulary and never has been.”
She also expressed gratitude for her 15 years on the air, calling her time with the show a “meaningful chapter,” and said her focus now is on her family and community rather than her career in television.
Critics have pointed out that such words can’t simply be dismissed as accidental if someone truly never uses them. Supporters, however, have debated whether this single moment — among years of television work — should define her entire career.
Do you agree with how she responded? Share your thoughts!
A Show That Defined DIY Television
Rehab Addict debuted back in 2010 and spent over a decade inspiring viewers with its emphasis on restoring historical and older homes rather than modernizing or demolishing them. The show built a loyal following by championing preservation and craftsmanship.
Curtis became well-known for her hands-on approach and her energetic, sometimes gritty, on-site personality. She focused on older properties in cities such as Detroit and Minneapolis, drawing in audiences who appreciated the blend of design and history.
Over time, Rehab Addict spawned spin-offs and solidified Curtis’s place as a household name in reality renovation TV.
Industry Reaction and Social Debate
News of the cancellation has triggered conversations across social platforms and news outlets. Some commentators argue that networks should hold talent to high standards, especially given their influence over audiences. Others suggest that a single slip-up, even one as serious as this, shouldn’t erase a long career without considering context.
The incident has also reignited broader discussions about accountability in media and how networks respond when stars are involved in controversies that conflict with public values.
Where Do Things Stand Now?
As of today, the series is off HGTV and streaming platforms, and there is no indication that it will be reinstated. Curtis’s future in television is uncertain, with many industry insiders saying it will depend on how audiences and potential partners respond to the situation in the coming weeks.
Nicole’s statement that her focus is on family and community comes as she faces intense scrutiny from fans and critics alike. Whether she can rebuild her public profile remains a key question in entertainment circles.
What do you think comes next for Nicole Curtis and Rehab Addict? Drop a comment below and stay in the loop with how this story evolves.