Nicole Curtis Issues Apology After Leaked Clip Shows Racial Slur; Network Pulls Series
Nicole Curtis has apologized after a leaked piece of production footage showed the renovation star using a racial slur while working on a project. The network removed her long-running series from its platforms the same day the clip surfaced ahead of the program’s planned return.
Curtis apologizes, emphasizes community and relationships
shared as the controversy unfolded, Curtis said, "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 that she was "deeply saddened by the hurt" her words caused and accepted responsibility for their impact.
A statement from her team framed the incident as a "clear slip of the tongue, " noting that the comment came after an extended day of physically demanding work and very little sleep. The statement also stressed that "intent does not erase impact, " and said Curtis is focused now on repairing relationships and supporting her community — the people who the statement described as those who "truly know my character and where my heart is. "
Network removes series as backlash builds
The production footage, which surfaced online, shows Curtis appearing frustrated while working on a restoration and uttering the slur before reacting in visible shock at what she said. Within hours of the clip circulating, the network pulled the series from its streaming platforms and on-air rotation. New episodes had been scheduled to begin airing that same day.
The channel issued a statement saying it had been made aware of an offensive comment made during filming, and that language of that nature is hurtful and inconsistent with its values. The decision to remove the program marks a sudden end to a partnership that had lasted for years, and it came as a surprise to Curtis, who said she had not been notified of the network’s action prior to the announcement.
Legacy of the series and what might come next
Curtis became a prominent figure in home restoration with a series that followed historic rehab projects for more than a decade. Recent work included several new episodes filmed in the Detroit area, where she led a restoration of a 1913 house. The show’s return had been framed as a continuation of a long-running creative chapter for Curtis.
With the series pulled and public reaction intensifying, the trajectory of Curtis’ career is uncertain. Her team has emphasized remediation and reflection rather than career plans, highlighting a desire to focus on relationships and community work while navigating the fallout. For viewers and industry observers, the episode underscores how quickly long-standing media partnerships can shift when behind-the-scenes moments draw public scrutiny.
Curtis’ apology and the network’s removal of the series leave open many questions about what steps will follow — both in terms of any internal review and any possible return to television. For now, Curtis appears intent on addressing the harm directly and rebuilding trust within the communities most affected by the incident.
