Nicole Curtis Apologizes After Leaked Footage Shows Her Using Racial Slur; Network Pulls Rehab Addict
Nicole Curtis has issued an apology after production footage that surfaced online showed the renovation star using a racial slur while filming. The network removed her long-running series Rehab Addict from its platforms as the controversy unfolded on Wednesday (ET).
Curtis apologizes and acknowledges the impact
Curtis released a statement taking responsibility for the remark and expressing remorse for the hurt it caused. "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 said, adding that she was focusing on relationships and community in the wake of the incident.
Her team also characterized the utterance as a "slip of the tongue, " explaining that the comment followed a long day of physically demanding work and little sleep. They emphasized that intent does not erase impact and that Curtis was "deeply saddened by the hurt her words have caused. " In the statement, they noted she accepts full responsibility for the consequences of her words.
Network pulls series as footage circulates
The leaked clip shows Curtis working on a renovation project, becoming frustrated while on a ladder and blurting a racial slur before appearing shocked at what she said. The footage was published online and quickly drew backlash.
In response, the network announced it had been made aware of the offensive comment and removed the series from its platforms. The network characterized the language as hurtful and inconsistent with its values, saying it was disappointed and that the conduct did not align with what it expects from its talent or programming partners.
The timing intensified scrutiny: new episodes of the series were expected to resume airing the same day the footage circulated, and the removal came just hours before that planned return.
Context, career background and fallout
Curtis has been associated with the rehabilitation series for more than a decade and has built a reputation on historic restorations, often working on projects in and around Detroit. Production documents and commentary from her team noted recent filming included multiple Detroit projects, including the restoration of a 1913 house described by her production as previously occupied by unauthorized residents.
In public statements, Curtis reflected on her 15-year run with the show, calling it a meaningful chapter and expressing gratitude for the journey. She said her immediate focus was not on career matters but on repairing relationships and engaging with the community that knows her character.
The moment captured on camera — described by her team as an inadvertent misstatement during a grueling workday — has prompted debate about accountability and the boundaries of off-camera behavior for on-screen personalities. Critics and viewers have voiced disappointment, while supporters have pointed to the quick remorse she displayed in the clip itself and in subsequent comments.
As the situation develops, Curtis and her team say they are engaging with impacted communities and considering next steps. The network has not announced whether the series will be reinstated or if further action will be taken. For now, the focus remains on the fallout from the leaked footage and the conversations about language, accountability and the responsibilities of public figures.
