Nicole Curtis Apologizes After Leaked Footage Shows Use of Racial Slur; Network Pulls 'Rehab Addict'
Nicole Curtis has apologized after online production footage surfaced showing the television host using the n-word while working on a renovation. The network removed the long-running home restoration series from its platforms the same day new episodes were set to return, and Curtis has acknowledged the harm her words caused.
Apology and immediate response
Curtis issued a statement saying the term in the footage is wrong and not part of her vocabulary. "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. She characterized the utterance as a slip of the tongue and expressed sadness over the hurt it caused, taking responsibility for the impact regardless of context.
In her remarks she also emphasized that her priorities have shifted in the aftermath. "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, " Curtis said.
Network action and show status
The network pulled the series from its streaming and broadcast platforms after the footage became public., the network called the comment hurtful and disappointing to viewers, partners and employees and said such language does not align with its values. The removal came on the same day the series was scheduled to resume airing after a hiatus.
All new episodes that had been slated to premiere that day were affected by the decision. Curtis said she was unaware the network had pulled the program when the announcement was made public, describing the split as unexpected despite her gratitude for the long-running collaboration.
Context, reaction and what comes next
The controversy began when production footage posted online showed Curtis growing frustrated while working on a project and uttering the slur, then visibly reacting in shock at what she had said. Her team has described the moment as an unintentional slip after a grueling day of work; one statement noted long hours, physical exhaustion and very little sleep preceding the incident.
Curtis has long been associated with historic home restorations, including a number of projects in Detroit. Recently filmed episodes featured renovation work on homes in and around that city, and the host had been preparing to bring a fresh season of the series back to viewers. With the show now removed from distribution, the immediate future of the program and any upcoming episodes is uncertain.
Observers say the episode underscores a broader reckoning over on-set conduct and the public consequences of offhand remarks captured on camera. Curtis’ apology and the network’s swift action close this chapter for now, but they also raise questions about remediation, community engagement and whether the host can rebuild trust with viewers.
For the moment, Curtis has emphasized personal accountability and redirected attention to family and community ties while the fallout continues to play out.
