In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the home renovation television world, HGTV pulls the plug on “Rehab Addict” after host Nicole Curtis utters a racial slur while filming. The long-running series, once a staple for renovation enthusiasts, has been officially removed from the network’s platforms following the controversy.
Network Confirms Immediate Cancellation
HGTV announced it has ended its relationship with “Rehab Addict” after what it described as an offensive racial remark made by host Nicole Curtis during production. The network, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized that the language used does not reflect its core values.
In a public statement, HGTV said that such language is not only hurtful to viewers, partners, and employees, but also fundamentally inconsistent with the culture of respect and inclusion the network aims to uphold. As a result, the channel confirmed it has removed the show from all of its platforms.
The decision was swift and comprehensive. Episodes of Rehab Addict have reportedly been taken down from streaming services affiliated with Warner Bros. Discovery, including HBO Max and Discovery+, where searches for the show no longer return results.
The Incident Caught on Video
According to footage obtained by Radar Online, Curtis can be heard using a racial slur targeting Black individuals while working on a renovation project for the show. Moments after the comment, she appears to recognize her mistake and asks someone off-camera to “kill it,” seemingly referring to stopping the recording.
The video quickly circulated in entertainment media circles, intensifying scrutiny and prompting calls for accountability. While HGTV did not elaborate on the specific content of the footage, it made clear that the language crossed a line.
Nicole Curtis Issues an Apology
Curtis later addressed the controversy in a statement provided to TMZ. In her message, she acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and expressed regret.
She stated that the word in question is wrong and insisted that it has never been part of her vocabulary. She apologized to anyone hurt by her comment, emphasizing that the language does not reflect who she is.
Curtis also reflected on her long career, noting that she is grateful for the 15-year journey she shared with viewers. However, she indicated that her current focus is not on salvaging her career but on her personal relationships and community — the people who, she says, know her character best.
In a follow-up post on her Instagram story, Curtis shared screenshots of her communication with TMZ and wrote that there is more to the story. She added that her priority right now is her family, saying she needs to focus on being a mother above all else.
Her manager did not immediately respond to media requests for additional comment.
A Long-Running Series Comes to an End
“Rehab Addict” first premiered in October 2010 on the DIY Network, which has since rebranded as the Magnolia Network. The series later transitioned to HGTV in January 2014, where it gained a loyal following.
Over the course of eight seasons, 83 episodes aired, showcasing Curtis’ passion for restoring historic homes rather than demolishing them. The show built a strong fan base drawn to its preservation-first philosophy and Curtis’ hands-on renovation style.
Now, with the series abruptly canceled and erased from streaming libraries, its legacy is overshadowed by controversy.
A Broader Industry Reflection
The situation highlights the growing accountability within the entertainment industry when it comes to language and behavior, especially on widely viewed platforms. Networks are increasingly quick to distance themselves from content that conflicts with stated values around diversity and inclusion.
As HGTV pulls the plug on “Rehab Addict” after host Nicole Curtis utters a racial slur while filming, it marks the end of an era for a once-popular renovation franchise — and a stark reminder of how swiftly reputations and programs can unravel in today’s media landscape.
