HGTV Drops Rehab Addict After Nicole Curtis Sparks Outrage With Racial Slur On Set Caught On Video
HGTV has canceled its popular series Rehab Addict after host Nicole Curtis was caught using a racial slur during filming. The show, which follows Curtis as she restores historic homes, was set to return on February 11, but a video of the incident surfaced online that same day, according to Radar Online.
HGTV star Nicole Curtis of "Rehab Addict" caught on camera using a Racial slur pic.twitter.com/MtYIo85DaC
— We told you So (@terri4436166795) February 11, 2026
In the clip, Curtis can be heard saying the n-word with a hard r. She immediately realized what she said and asked to “kill” the moment, but the footage was shared publicly.
HGTV released a statement explaining the decision. “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 said. “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.”
Curtis also issued an apology to TMZ, saying, “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 reflected on her career, adding, “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.”
On Instagram, Curtis shared a portion of her text conversation with TMZ and explained, “There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else.” She promised transparency and honesty, noting, “TMZ called me as I had just turned my phone on after being at school—I said this briefly—but there is more.”
Rehab Addict premiered in 2010 and became a fan favorite for Curtis’ dedication to historic preservation. The show returned for season 9 in June 2025 after a long hiatus. At the time, Curtis explained the break in an Instagram post, saying, “I had a setback in my life that just rocked me to the core… I had to make a decision right there and then like, ‘Okay, we’re going to let this affect us for a very long time, or we’re going to pick it up and go.’”
Curtis later shared that she had “recut” the season’s remaining episodes following discussions with HGTV. Earlier in February, both Curtis and HGTV had teased the show’s return, announcing that new episodes would air on February 11.
Fans and media outlets reacted quickly to the news of the cancellation, emphasizing the serious consequences of using offensive language, regardless of intent. HGTV made it clear that the decision was meant to uphold the network’s values and set an example about accountability.
This incident marks a dramatic end for Rehab Addict, a show that helped make Nicole Curtis a household name in home renovation and historic preservation.
It’s a tough moment for fans of the show. While Curtis has apologized, this situation serves as a reminder that public figures are held to a high standard. How do you feel about the cancellation of Rehab Addict? Do you think Curtis’ apology is enough? Share your thoughts in the comments.