HGTV pulled the plug on “Rehab Addict” after Nicole Curtis was caught on camera using a racial slur while filming. After the host issued an apology, her ex-boyfriend and former colleague came to her defense.
Nicole Curtis Issues Apology After HGTV Cancellation
Curtis opened up about the network’s decision to let her go after video of her racial remark was shared by RadarOnline.
“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 told TMZ on Wednesday, February 11. “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.”
She later took to social media shortly after news of her firing began circulating. In a since-deleted Instagram post, she claimed, “There is more to this, but my family comes first, and I need to be mom right now more than anything else.”
Curtis added, “I will take the time to be as I’ve always been with you, transparent and honest. TMZ called me as I had just turned my phone on after being at school. I said this briefly — but there is more.”
According to Curtis, the footage that ultimately led to her firing, was “not filmed for HGTV.”
“This footage was shot for my own use, documenting our house restoration. There was no contract with HGTV in 2022,” she explained.
Nicole Curtis’ Ex Shows His Support
Curtis’ ex-boyfriend, Ryan Sawtelle, who also worked on her now-canceled home renovation series, came to her defense.
“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 told TMZ on Thursday.
According to the outlet, Sawtelle was present at the time the slur was used.
He made it clear that he and Curtis not longer have a relationship, but added, “It was so unexpected, the crew laughed because we knew that isn’t her…I am just telling you the truth.”
HGTV’s Statement Nicole Curtis
HGTV responded swiftly to the video of Curtis using a racial slur, pulling the plug on her long-running series.
“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,” the network explained in a statement.
“Accordingly, we have removed the series from all HGTV platforms,” the statement continued. “We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.”
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Nicole Curtis’ Ex Shows Support for HGTV Star After ‘Rehab Addict’ Cancellation