HGTV has abruptly canceled Rehab Addict and terminated the contract of its host, Nicole Curtis, following the surfacing of video footage showing Curtis using a racial slur during a 2025 filming session. The network moved swiftly to remove all episodes of the long-running home renovation series from its streaming platforms, HBO Max and Discovery+, effectively erasing the show’s nine-season run from public access.
The footage, obtained by RadarOnline, depicts Curtis uttering the slur while struggling with a renovation task. According to reports, the comment was not directed at anyone specifically but was used as an expletive during a moment of frustration. Curtis immediately recognized the gravity of her words, reportedly asking someone off-camera to “kill” the footage and expressing dismay at her own language.
Rehab Addict, which premiered in 2010, followed Curtis as she restored historic homes in cities like Detroit and Minneapolis. The show resonated with audiences drawn to its blend of architectural salvage, historical preservation and Curtis’s hands-on approach to renovation. A new season was slated to begin airing tonight, , before the controversy erupted.
HGTV issued a statement acknowledging the incident and outlining its response. “HGTV was recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict,” the statement read. “Not only is language like this hurtful and disappointing to our viewers, partners, and employees—it does not align with the values of HGTV. Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
The cancellation marks a significant fallout for both Curtis and the network. Rehab Addict was a mainstay of HGTV’s primetime lineup, and Curtis had become a recognizable face within the home renovation genre. The speed with which HGTV acted – removing the series from all platforms within hours of the footage becoming public – underscores the network’s commitment to distancing itself from the controversy.
Curtis herself responded to the situation with a statement provided to TMZ, stating, “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.” However, the apology has been met with considerable criticism on social media, with many questioning its sincerity and the context of the incident.
The incident arrives at a sensitive time for the entertainment industry, where networks and streaming services are facing increasing pressure to address issues of diversity, inclusion, and accountability. The swift and decisive action taken by HGTV reflects a broader trend of zero tolerance for offensive language and behavior, particularly in the wake of similar controversies that have led to the cancellation of other television programs. Notably, the cancellation of ‘Rehab Addict’ echoes the 2021 cancellation of HGTV’s ‘Rehab Addict’ after host Nicole Curtis used a racial slur during filming, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The removal of Rehab Addict from HBO Max and Discovery+ further demonstrates the extent of the network’s efforts to sever ties with the show and its host. This move not only eliminates the series from current streaming options but also effectively erases its digital footprint, making it more difficult for viewers to access past episodes.
Beyond the immediate consequences for Curtis and HGTV, the incident raises broader questions about the editing process and oversight on reality television sets. The fact that the slur was captured during filming but not flagged or addressed before the footage surfaced suggests potential gaps in production protocols and a lack of sensitivity training for cast and crew. The incident also highlights the challenges of balancing authenticity with responsible content creation in the unscripted television landscape.
The future remains uncertain for Curtis, who had been actively involved in renovation projects beyond Rehab Addict. She had recently announced plans to restore properties in both Detroit and Wyoming, but those projects are now likely to be impacted by the fallout from this controversy. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of using offensive language, even in private moments, and the importance of accountability in the entertainment industry.
As of , HGTV has not announced any plans to replace Rehab Addict in its primetime lineup. The network’s focus appears to be on reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and rebuilding trust with its audience.
