Nicole Curtis Apologizes After Racial Slur Surfaces – ‘Rehab Addict’ Removed from HGTV

Nicole Curtis, known for her home renovation work featured on HGTV’s “Rehab Addict,” has publicly apologized following the surfacing of a video in which she used a racial slur. The incident has led to the removal of her shows from HGTV platforms.

The Incident and Initial Response

A video, reportedly captured two years ago, shows Curtis using a racial slur while working on a renovation project. According to reports, she immediately expressed regret after uttering the slur, asking a colleague to “kill that” footage. She shared an Instagram video on Wednesday, expressing gratitude for 15 years of support, stating her journey took her from working odd jobs to becoming a “real estate mogul.”

Did You Know? “Rehab Addict” originally aired for eight full seasons, from 2010 to 2018 and was in the midst of a ninth season when the network pulled the show.

In a text exchange with TMZ, Curtis stated the word in question was “wrong and not part of my vocabulary” and offered an apology. She also shared screenshots of abusive messages she received from strangers, including threats and hateful language.

HGTV’s Response and Show Removal

HGTV released a statement saying they were “recently made aware of an offensive racial comment” made during filming. The network stated that such language is “hurtful and disappointing” and “does not align with the values of HGTV.” HGTV removed “Rehab Addict,” along with its spin-offs “Rehab Addict Rescue” (2021) and “Rehab Addict Lake House Rescue” (2022), from all of its platforms, including HBO Max and Discovery+.

The Impact on Upcoming Episodes

Curtis had recently promoted new episodes of “Rehab Addict” on Instagram, but those episodes will no longer air. She had asked for support in sharing the promotion, but the episodes did not debut as scheduled.

Expert Insight: The swift removal of the show from HGTV platforms demonstrates the network’s sensitivity to public perception and its commitment to upholding its stated values, even when it involves a previously successful program.

Curtis referenced her 2016 book, “Better Than New: Lessons I’ve Learned From Saving Old Houses,” where she wrote about the importance of “keep[ing] on moving” during difficult times.

What Happens Next?

It is possible Curtis may seek other avenues for her renovation projects, potentially outside of traditional television networks. She could focus on her community relationships, as she indicated in her statement to TMZ. Alternatively, the incident could significantly impact her public profile and future career opportunities. A possible next step for HGTV is to reassess its vetting processes for talent and content. It remains to be seen whether Curtis will address the situation further publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the removal of “Rehab Addict” from HGTV?

HGTV removed “Rehab Addict” after a video surfaced showing Nicole Curtis using a racial slur during filming.

What was Nicole Curtis’s initial response to the video?

Curtis apologized for her use of the slur, stating it was not part of her vocabulary and expressing distress over the incident. She also shared an Instagram video thanking supporters and acknowledging her career journey.

What other shows featuring Nicole Curtis were removed from streaming platforms?

“Rehab Addict Rescue” (2021) and “Rehab Addict Lake House Rescue” (2022) were also removed from HBO Max and Discovery+.

How do you think networks balance artistic freedom with the need to uphold community standards?