Rehab Addict's Nicole Curtis Apologizes for Using Racial Slur

HGTV cancelled the show after leaked footage showed Curtis using the n-word, but she claims the video was 'manipulated'

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Nicole Curtis, the host of the HGTV show Rehab Addict, has apologized for using a racial slur in a leaked video, but she claims the footage was stolen and manipulated. HGTV cancelled the show after the video surfaced, prompting Curtis to release a lengthy statement addressing the controversy. She said the video was from 2022 and not related to the show, and that she plans to release the raw, unedited footage on Friday.

Why it matters

The use of a racial slur by a prominent TV personality has sparked outrage and led to the cancellation of Curtis' show. The incident raises questions about accountability, the impact of leaked private footage, and the challenges celebrities face in addressing controversial behavior, especially when it occurred in the past.

The details

According to reports, the footage of Curtis using the n-word was published by RadarOnline on Wednesday, February 11. HGTV immediately pulled new episodes of Rehab Addict that were scheduled to premiere the same day. In her statement, Curtis apologized for the language and claimed the footage was stolen from her personal collection and manipulated before being sold to a tabloid. She said the incident occurred in 2022 and was not related to her HGTV show.

  • The footage was published on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Curtis said the incident occurred in 2022.

The players

Nicole Curtis

The host of the HGTV show Rehab Addict, who has apologized for using a racial slur in a leaked video.

HGTV

The television network that cancelled Nicole Curtis' show Rehab Addict after the controversial video surfaced.

RadarOnline

The media outlet that published the leaked footage of Nicole Curtis using a racial slur.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a post I ever thought I'd be writing and I've drafted this more times that I can count and nothing seems to be enough.”

— Nicole Curtis (Instagram)

“I am sorry. I am filled with remorse and regret, just as much as I was one second after that word was said 4 years ago in 2022.”

— Nicole Curtis (Instagram)

“I want to be clear that about this ....I'm not addressing this because I was 'caught'. Im here because I am not okay with the fact that I said that.”

— Nicole Curtis (Instagram)

What’s next

Curtis said she plans to release the raw, unedited footage of the incident on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges celebrities face in addressing controversial behavior, especially when it occurred in the past. It also raises questions about the impact of leaked private footage and the need for accountability, even for actions taken years ago.