HGTV Cancels Michigan Star Nicole Curtis' Show Rehab Addict After Racial Slur Leaked

The network removed the series from all platforms following the controversial video clip.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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HGTV has canceled the long-running home renovation series Rehab Addict, hosted by Michigan native Nicole Curtis, after a video surfaced showing the star using a racial slur during filming. The network said the language was "hurtful and disappointing" and did not align with their values, leading them to remove the show from all platforms including HBO Max and Discovery+.

Why it matters

Nicole Curtis and her show Rehab Addict had a loyal following for over a decade, with the program highlighting preservation efforts in struggling Detroit neighborhoods. The cancellation highlights the growing intolerance for any racist language or behavior, even from high-profile TV personalities, as networks and companies work to foster more inclusive cultures.

The details

In the leaked video clip, Curtis is heard using the n-word and saying "F--- my life" after being asked to "kill" the moment. HGTV condemned the language as "hurtful and disappointing" and said it did not align with the network's values, leading them to remove the series from all platforms. Prior to the cancellation, new episodes of Rehab Addict were set to premiere on February 11.

  • The controversial video clip first surfaced on February 12, 2026.
  • HGTV removed Rehab Addict from all platforms immediately after becoming aware of the video.

The players

Nicole Curtis

The star of the home renovation series Rehab Addict, who is originally from Lake Orion, Michigan and became known for restoring historic homes across the country, including in Detroit.

HGTV

The home and garden television network that aired Curtis' show Rehab Addict for over a decade before canceling it in 2026 after the racial slur 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' team (The Detroit News)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing intolerance for any racist language or behavior, even from high-profile TV personalities, as networks and companies work to foster more inclusive cultures. The cancellation of Nicole Curtis' long-running show Rehab Addict demonstrates that there are serious consequences for using racial slurs, regardless of context or intent.