Nicole Curtis Apologizes Again for Using Racial Slur, Claims Video Was 'Stolen'

The former HGTV star says the footage was not taken during the production of her show for the network.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Nicole Curtis, the host of the HGTV show Rehab Addict, has issued a second apology after a video of her using a racial slur surfaced online. Curtis claims the video was "stolen" from her and that the footage was not captured during production for her HGTV show. HGTV has since pulled the current season of Rehab Addict and removed the series from all of its platforms.

Why it matters

The use of racial slurs by public figures, especially those with large platforms, can have significant consequences and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. HGTV's decision to remove the show from its platforms demonstrates the network's commitment to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion.

The details

In a video posted online on February 11, the same day her show was set to return, Nicole Curtis was caught using the n-word. In an initial statement, Curtis apologized for her use of the slur, saying it was "wrong and not part of my vocabulary." However, in a subsequent Instagram post, Curtis claimed the video was "stolen" from her and that the footage was not captured during production for her HGTV show. HGTV has since pulled the current season of Rehab Addict and removed the series from all of its platforms, stating that the language used "does not align with the values of HGTV."

  • The video of Nicole Curtis using a racial slur surfaced online on February 11, 2026.
  • Nicole Curtis' HGTV show, Rehab Addict, was set to return on February 11, 2026.

The players

Nicole Curtis

The host of the HGTV show Rehab Addict, who was caught using a racial slur in a video that surfaced online.

HGTV

The television network that aired Nicole Curtis' show Rehab Addict, and has since pulled the current season and removed the series from all of its platforms due to the use of the racial slur.

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What they’re 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.”

— Nicole Curtis (TMZ)

“There is anger, there is hate, there is pain. I'm here to take it. I haven't been hiding, ignoring, waiting for this to pass. I've just been playing this all over and over again and watching the video and having this all out together to say the right thing.”

— Nicole Curtis (Instagram)

“Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees - it does not align with the values of HGTV.”

— HGTV (PEOPLE)

What’s next

HGTV has not indicated any specific next steps, but the network's decision to pull the current season of Rehab Addict and remove the series from all of its platforms suggests they are taking the matter seriously and are committed to addressing the use of the racial slur.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing need for public figures and media companies to be vigilant about the language they use and the messages they convey. While apologies are important, the real test is whether meaningful changes are made to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment.