HGTV Fires Host Nicole Curtis After Saying Racial Slur While Filming 'Rehab Addict'

American home renovation network HGTV has terminated Nicole Curtis following the emergence of a video showing the 'Rehab Addict' host using a racial slur during filming.

The 49-year-old television personality was caught on tape dropping the 'N-word' whilst struggling with renovation work approximately two years ago. In the footage exclusively obtained by Radar, which was never broadcast, Curtis can be heard exclaiming: 'Why? It's the last one. Oh, fart n*****.'

Immediately recognising the severity of her words, Curtis desperately pleaded with her production crew to delete the recording. 'What the f*** is that I just said?' she asked, as crew members laughed off camera. 'Nick, you gotta, you gotta, can you kill that? F*** my life.'

However, the crew member she addressed—believed to be either Nyk Fry or Nick Christopulos, both credited on the episode—refused her request, stating: 'No. I've got 35 minutes... I'm not killing it.'

Who is Nicole Curtis?

Nicole Curtis is a well-known American television host, home renovation expert, and author who has been a staple on HGTV since 2010. She rose to prominence with her show Rehab Addict—a programme that focuses on restoring historic homes, often in urban areas, with a strong emphasis on preserving architectural integrity and breathing new life into neglected properties—which has aired during the network's prime schedule for over a decade.

Curtis, a self-proclaimed 'Historic Preservation Expert,' has built a reputation for her hands-on approach, often working alongside her construction team to transform rundown houses into beautiful, functional homes. Her work has earned her a loyal fan base and critical acclaim within the home renovation community.

Beyond television, Curtis is a best-selling author and a sought-after speaker on topics related to historic preservation, sustainable building practices, and the importance of community-driven restoration. She is also a mother of two and has been vocal about her commitment to mentoring young women in the trades.

Despite her professional success, Curtis has faced controversy in the past, including a 2019 feud with the Minneapolis city government regarding the demolition of a duplex built in 1809.

Network Takes Swift Action

After Radar reached out to HGTV regarding the video, the network confirmed it had taken decisive disciplinary action against Curtis.

In an official statement, HGTV said: 'We were recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of 'Rehab Addict.' We understand that language like this is hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees, and it does not align with the values of HGTV.'

The network announced it has 'removed the series from all HGTV platforms' and remains 'dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.'

Timing Proves Particularly Damaging

The revelation comes at an especially inopportune moment for Curtis, as new episodes of Rehab Addict were scheduled to return to HGTV following a hiatus. The network had been promoting the show's comeback on social media, but quietly deleted an Instagram post about Curtis's return after the video surfaced.

The outfit Curtis wore in the controversial footage matches the first episode of the show's tenth series, titled 'Nicole Goes West', which was filmed in Wyoming and aired last June.

Curtis Responds to Controversy

Following the video's publication, Curtis took to social media, seemingly attempting to brush off the scandal by promoting her programme and defending her work ethic.

'There's never been 100 people, let alone 25 people, even 10 people labelled production when I'm working," she wrote. 'It's me, it's my construction guys, on big days (meaning there's a huge build like roof going on), it's 2 cameras, but most, it's one.'

The self-proclaimed expert insisted she would 'go to my last breath being proud that I did this more real, more raw than anyone else.'