Fans have lots to say one day after HGTV confirmed it canceled and pulled all episodes of “Rehab Addict,” cutting ties with host Nicole Curtis over a behind-the-scenes video that surfaced in which she uttered a racial slur while filming.
The video, first published by Radar Online on February 11, 2026, quickly resulted in HGTV telling the outlet Curtis had been fired, pulling the two new episodes that were scheduled to premiere that day and yanking the show from “all streaming platforms.” Curtis quickly issued an apology via TMZ and in her Instagram Stories, saying that “the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary.”
Fans Erupt Online Over Behind-the-Scenes Video of Nicole Curtis
The video obtained by Radar Online is of Curtis filming her latest season of “Rehab Addict,” a show that debuted in 2010, chronicling her restoration of delapidated homes in Detroit, Minneapolis, and — most recently — a house in Wyoming, where the incident occurred.
While she struggles with a wire, Curtis says the N-word in frustration and immediately realizes what she said, asking the film crew to “kill” the recording. When someone in the background refuses, Curtis mutters, “[expletive] my life.”
Since news broke about the video and her firing, Curtis has blocked comments on her most recent Instagram posts. But many fans have expressed their anger and disappointment elsewhere online, including on her Facebook post announcing that two new episodes would be airing on February 11.
One wrote, “BYE FELICIA! I DON’T THINK ANYTHING WILL BE AIRING ANYTIME SOON” and another commented, “HGTV isn’t going to air them anymore because they don’t want to be associated with someone who drops the N-bomb. Congrats on the career suicide.”
“Wanted to watch,” another fan wrote. “Always loved your shows. Then I saw you so easily use the N word then ask to edit it out to avoid accountability. The fact that it was said in that moment so easily shows it’s a word you use regularly. I am disgusted!”
Reddit exploded with multiple threads featuring hundreds of reactions to the video, including one from someone who wrote, “Holy [expletive] that is disappointing. I am someone who makes very bizarre exclamations when I’m shocked, in pain, frustrated, etc. I mean… I say some weird nonsense. No clue where the words come from. People typically laugh. But that word is not one. Ever. It’s just not in my ‘mental word library’ to choose from. The fact that it came out of her mouth without thought makes me think that the word is common enough to her to spit it out thoughtlessly.”
Some Fans Defended Nicole Curtis After Her Apology
HGTVIn a since-deleted Instagram apology, Curtis wrote, “There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. I will take the time to be as I’ve always been with you, transparent and honest. TMZ called me as I had just turned my phone on after being at school. I said this briefly — but there is more.”
She posted what she texted to TMZ, which was, “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.”
Curtis also noted, ” “I’m grateful for the 15-year journey we’ve shared. It’s been a meaningful chapter, but my focus isn’t on my career. My focus, at this moment is rightfully on my relationships, and my community — the people who truly know my character and where my heart is.”
After posting her texted apology in her Instagram Stories, Curtis also began posting screenshots of direct messages, revealing people who lashed out at her over the racial slur.
The mom of two did receive support from some fans who defended her on Facebook, including someone who declared that she’s “still awesome” and another who wrote, “Still love ya Nicole Curtis even though HGTV dropped ya! Hope to see you on a new network soon or even on YouTube!”
HGTV, meanwhile, told multiple outlets, including People, that it was “recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of ‘Rehab Addict.’ Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees – it does not align with the values of HGTV. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
People grow up! After all the years Nicole has been on the air and all the enjoyment she has brought to us. Shame on you all. She slipped and a word came out, is it gonna kill you? I have been called worse than that and I’m still here. Was she speaking directly to you? Think about it.
HGTV you are wrong for firing her. Bend your butt over for the rest of the woke idiots. If she would have said CRACKER, would you have fired her? HELL NO!
Everyone deserves a second chance. Anyone could slip with a word somebody doesn’t like.
While I agree the word she used is reprehensible and I don’t even have it stored in my stash of words to use when provoked, I have to say I did not hear her use it. I have always loved her show but when HGTV removed it along with others that I enjoyed I began ignoring HGTV. Am sure my little protest won’t matter in the big scheme of things but I did tape and enjoy those last two episodes aired from Wyoming and Detroit. I am sorry things turned out bad for Nicole because of her choice of words when angry but there is nothing else for me to add. I just appreciate being informed about what went on.
I personally feel the f-bomb is the worst ever. Hate it. The fact that she said something in a (semi) private setting and immediately stopped means a lot to me. I think the “punishment” exceeds the “crime”.
In this day and age, it’s far from career suicide. If she so chooses, she will be the new Republican Party hero, hosting her own show on Fox News.
To lose your job over something like this is ridiculous. (1) A lot of people grew up back when a bad word or the “n” word was used in everyday language & no one got their panties in a bunch over it. (2) If someone slips and says an “offensive” word, they should be able to say “sorry” and get back to business. (3) There are a lot of words that offend me, but I don’t go after someone’s job over it. (4) Whoopi Goldberg said something that was offensive, but did she lose her job? No! She just said “sorry”. Can you say “double standard”? (5) If the “n” word is offensive, then why do 99.9% of the rap songs use that word? I guess all the rappers need to be fired. You hear it enough, you’re bound to say it at some point, whether you mean to or not. (6) When I was young, it was always “sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” and we just brushed it off and continued on. Now, everyone gets their t&t in a wringer and make a big fuss about it. Geesh. (7) These “peaceful” protesters claim they have freedom of speech, spewing hate and calling people names. So if there’s true freedom of speech, this saying a bad word should not even be an issue. Quit cancelling people for an oops, unles you think you are perfect or something.
I so agree with you and so sick and tired of people being such asses as they know they all have probably said the same thing in their life or either something even worse. The world is so crazy now, everyone wants all people to be the same that they are.
Ridiculous decision! Right up there with others recently made with the cancellation of great shows! Stay strong Nicole – I’m sure you’ll land on another network or platform. Sad for HGTV – thinking they don’t know their audience very well !