HGTV has removed the reality series Rehab Addict from its platforms following the leak of a video showing host Nicole Curtis using a racial slur during filming. The footage, released by RadarOnline, prompted the network to act swiftly amid public backlash. Curtis has apologized, while her ex-boyfriend offers a partial defense.
The controversy erupted on February 12, 2026, when RadarOnline published footage from a 2022 filming session of Rehab Addict, in which Nicole Curtis, frustrated during renovation work, says "fart n****er" and asks someone off-screen to "kill that."
HGTV issued a statement confirming the incident: "HGTV 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. 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."
Curtis responded in a statement to TMZ: "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." She added, "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."
Ryan Sawtelle, who dated Curtis for a decade and worked on the show, provided a mixed account. He described her as a "bad person" who treats crew poorly, citing past lawsuits from unpaid contractors, but defended her on racism: "As much as I dislike her -- and it may be validating to see her get in trouble -- she is unequivocally not a racist. Nor has she ever said anything racially insensitive over the years we dated, and I have known her." Sawtelle, who was holding a ladder in the clip, claimed Curtis used nonsensical words to avoid cursing on air and called the slur a mistaken outburst, noting the crew laughed in surprise.
Curtis countered Sawtelle's claims, stating the video is "manipulated, edited" and was for personal use, not HGTV-contracted filming in 2022. She noted their communication has been through attorneys and he had no recent involvement.
Rehab Addict, which followed Curtis restoring condemned properties, aired for nine seasons starting on DIY Network in 2010 and moving to HGTV in 2014. New episodes were scheduled to premiere that Wednesday but were pulled, following a temporary pause in July 2025 that Curtis attributed to family priorities.
