Nicole Curtis says the offensive remark was “wrong,” issuing a detailed apology after footage surfaced. The HGTV star’s “Rehab Addict” series faces immediate cancellation following the incident caught on camera during filming.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Show Status: HGTV canceled “Rehab Addict” after offensive racial comment during filming on Feb 11-12, 2026
- Curtis’s Apology: She stated the word used “was wrong” and issued a detailed statement taking full responsibility
- The Incident: Video released by Radar Online captured the star using a racial slur after 17 hours of exhausting work
- Streaming Removal: The series has been pulled from all HGTV platforms, HBO Max, and Discovery+
What Nicole Curtis Said in Her Statement
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Curtis issued an emotional apology through her team, stating that she was “deeply saddened by the hurt her words have caused.” She emphasized that she takes full responsibility for the impact, regardless of context or circumstance.
The Detroit-native star described the incident as a “clear slip of the tongue” that occurred after working for an extended period. She explained that her family, community, and Detroit remain central to her identity, and that the mistake does not reflect her values or character.
How the Footage Emerged and Network Response
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RadarOnline posted the leaked video on Wednesday, showing Curtis standing on a ladder when she blurted out the offensive language. The network immediately took action, with HGTV releasing a statement condemning the comment as hurtful and contradictory to their values.
“Rehab Addict” aired for nine seasons across DIY Network and HGTV, following Curtis as she restored historic homes in Detroit and Minneapolis. New episodes were scheduled to air on February 11, but the network canceled the series completely due to the incident.
Curtis Clarifies Context Behind the Remark
| Detail | Information |
| Time of Incident | After 17 hours of physically demanding work |
| Physical State | Very little sleep, extreme exhaustion |
| Explanation | Verbal mistake of playful expressions she normally uses |
| Typical Phrases | “Son of a cow digger”, “fart nugget” |
“Nicole is deeply saddened by the hurt her words have caused. She takes full responsibility for their impact, regardless of context. What occurred was a clear slip of the tongue spoken after 17 hours of physically demanding work and very little sleep.”
— Nicole Curtis Statement, statement released to The Detroit News
Questions Surrounding Unedited Footage and Future Actions
Curtis’s team mentioned that the video has been edited, claiming it does not reflect the full moment of remorse and shock captured in the original recording. They stated they are actively working to locate and release the unedited footage publicly to provide complete context.
The HGTV star emphasized Detroit’s importance in her life, noting that the city is her home, not merely a backdrop for television. She pledged continued commitment to her community despite the controversy and expressed gratitude to those who have shown support and understanding during this difficult period.
Sources
- The Detroit News – Comprehensive statement from Nicole Curtis regarding the incident and her apology
- The Hollywood Reporter – HGTV’s official cancellation statement and show details
- Variety – Breaking news coverage of the show cancellation and network response

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.

