SUMMARY
- HGTV removed Rehab Addict from all platforms after Curtis’s offensive comment.
- Curtis apologized, stating the slur is not part of her vocabulary and emphasizing family priorities.
- The series, which rescued historic homes in Detroit and Minneapolis, ran for nine seasons across DIY Network and HGTV.
HGTV has canceled its home restoration series Rehab Addict following revelations that host Nicole Curtis used a racial slur during filming.
The network announced the decision Wednesday, citing a commitment to respect and inclusion.
The cancellation comes after nine seasons of Curtis restoring historic homes, primarily in Detroit and Minneapolis.
HGTV said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, “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.” Curtis addressed the controversy on Instagram, writing that her focus is on family and community.
She also provided a statement to TMZ, saying, “The word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and I apologize to everyone.”
Rehab Addict initially aired on DIY Network before moving to HGTV in 2014. The show followed Curtis as she rescued historic homes from demolition, restoring them to their former architectural character.
The first two episodes of season nine aired in July 2025, but Curtis delayed the remainder of the season, citing an executive decision to “shelf” the episodes, which were later scheduled for release on Feb. 11 before the series was pulled.
Experts note that high profile controversies can affect brand trust and advertising revenue.
Media analyst Susan Goldstein of the University of Southern California said, “Networks increasingly face pressure to respond swiftly to offensive content to maintain audience and sponsor confidence.”
Industry consultant Michael Chen added, “Removing a series entirely is rare but signals a zero tolerance stance, particularly when content contradicts stated corporate values.”
Voices from the home restoration community emphasized the show’s impact on preserving heritage homes.
“Curtis brought attention to overlooked architecture, but the controversy may overshadow that work,” said Detroit preservationist Laura Simmons.
HGTV’s action highlights broader industry standards regarding offensive language and representation.
While the immediate future of Curtis’s career remains uncertain, the network confirmed that it is reviewing internal policies and content oversight to prevent similar incidents.
The removal of Rehab Addict underscores how individual conduct can directly influence media platforms, audience trust, and the legacy of culturally significant programming.
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