HGTV Star Nicole Curtis Apologizes for Using Racial Slur

The long-running "Rehab Addict" show has been pulled from platforms after the video surfaced.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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HGTV star Nicole Curtis has apologized after a video surfaced of her using a racial slur while working on a home renovation project. The video led to HGTV pulling her long-running show "Rehab Addict" from its platforms. Curtis took responsibility for her words, stating it was a "clear slip of the tongue" after a long work day, though she acknowledged that intent does not erase impact.

Why it matters

The use of racial slurs, even in a private context, can have significant consequences for public figures and damage their reputations. HGTV's decision to pull the show highlights the seriousness with which the network views such incidents and the pressure on celebrities to be mindful of their language and actions.

The details

In a video posted by Radar Online, Nicole Curtis is seen growing frustrated while working on a home renovation project and blurting out a racial slur. HGTV has since pulled her show "Rehab Addict" from its platforms, with new episodes that were expected to air being canceled. Curtis has apologized, taking full responsibility for her words and acknowledging that "intent does not erase impact."

  • The video surfaced on February 12, 2026.
  • New episodes of "Rehab Addict" were expected to air on the same day the video went public.

The players

Nicole Curtis

A Michigan native and HGTV star known for her long-running show "Rehab Addict", which featured home restoration projects in and around Detroit.

HGTV

The television network that aired Nicole Curtis' show "Rehab Addict" and has since pulled the show from its platforms following the controversy.

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What they’re saying

“She takes full responsibility for their impact, regardless of context. What occurred was a clear slip of the tongue — a mistaken version of one of her well-known expressions — spoken after 17 hours of physically demanding work and very little sleep. Even so, she understands that intent does not erase impact, and she is truly sorry.”

— Nicole Curtis (The Detroit News)

What’s next

HGTV has not indicated whether it plans to reinstate "Rehab Addict" or if this incident will permanently end the show's run.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the heightened sensitivity around the use of racial slurs, even in private contexts, and the potential career-damaging consequences for public figures. It underscores the importance of celebrities being mindful of their language and actions, as intent alone does not excuse the impact of harmful words.