HGTV Pulls 'Rehab Addict' After Nicole Curtis Racial Slur Scandal

The home renovation show was set to return with new episodes before the controversy erupted.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nicole Curtis was publicly celebrating the return of her HGTV show 'Rehab Addict' after it was pulled off the air indefinitely, only for the series to then get canceled due to a racial slur scandal involving the host. HGTV removed the show from all its platforms after learning of an offensive racial comment Curtis made during filming that did not originally air.

Why it matters

The 'Rehab Addict' controversy highlights the growing scrutiny on HGTV and other networks to address problematic behavior and language from their on-air talent. As viewers become more aware of and intolerant of insensitive remarks, networks are under pressure to quickly remove content and distance themselves from talent who do not align with their values.

The details

Curtis, 49, announced on Instagram that new episodes of 'Rehab Addict' would be premiering on February 11, 2026, but viewers tuning in found the show had been pulled from the air. HGTV said it had 'recently been made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming' that 'does not align with the values of HGTV.' The network removed the series from all its platforms, and Warner Bros. Discovery pulled the remaining planned new episodes.

  • On February 7, 2026, Curtis announced the premiere date for the remaining season 9 episodes of 'Rehab Addict'.
  • On February 11, 2026, the show was pulled from HGTV's schedule after the racial slur scandal came to light.

The players

Nicole Curtis

The 49-year-old host of the HGTV home renovation series 'Rehab Addict', who was at the center of the racial slur controversy that led to the show's cancellation.

HGTV

The home and lifestyle television network that removed 'Rehab Addict' from all of its platforms after learning of an offensive racial comment made by Curtis during filming.

Warner Bros. Discovery

The media company that ultimately pulled the remaining planned new episodes of 'Rehab Addict' from HGTV's schedule.

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What they’re saying

“Regarding HGTV, 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.”

— Nicole Curtis (Instagram)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing scrutiny on networks to swiftly address problematic behavior from their on-air talent, as viewers become less tolerant of insensitive remarks. It underscores the need for networks to uphold their values and maintain a culture of respect, even when it means making difficult decisions to remove popular programming.