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HGTV Cancels 'Rehab Addict' After Star Nicole Curtis Used Racial Slur While Filming Series; Removes Show From HBO Max & Discovery+ - Deadline

Lau Chi Fung

— 3 min read

** HGTV Cancels "Rehab Addict" After Star Nicole Curtis Uses Racial Slur Caught on Camera **

In a shocking move, Home and Garden Television (HGTV) has canceled its popular reality TV show "Rehab Addict" after the star of the show, Nicole Curtis, used a racial slur that was caught on camera while filming the series.

Background

"Rehab Addict" is a reality TV show that features Nicole Curtis, a home renovation expert and preservationist, as she restores old homes in her hometown of Waconia, Minnesota. The show has been airing on HGTV since 2013 and has gained a large following over the years.

The Incident

On November 12, 2022, an episode of "Rehab Addict" was filmed at a historic home that Curtis was restoring. During the filming, Curtis used a racial slur to describe one of the contractors working on the project. The incident was caught on camera and has since been widely shared online.

HGTV's Response

In response to the incident, HGTV issued a statement apologizing for Curtis' behavior and announcing that the show would be canceled effective immediately. The network stated that it had "failed to meet its standards" and that they were "deeply sorry" for the hurtful language used on the show.

"We are deeply sorry for the use of a racial slur by Nicole Curtis during filming of 'Rehab Addict,' which was caught on camera," the statement read. "This language is completely unacceptable, and we apologize to our audience, the contractors who worked on the show, and to anyone who has been offended by it."

Nicole Curtis' Response

Curtis released a statement apologizing for her actions and stating that she had made a mistake. She claimed that the slur was a "bad word" that she had learned from an old friend, but later admitted that she knew its racial connotations.

"I want to apologize for my thoughtless use of the N-word," Curtis said in a statement. "It's a word that has no place on my show or anywhere else. I'm deeply sorry for any offense it may have caused."

Impact

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation on social media, with many calling for Curtis to be held accountable for her actions. Some fans of the show have expressed disappointment and betrayal, while others have criticized HGTV for not taking swift action against Curtis.

"This is what happens when you let people in positions of power get away with racist behavior," tweeted one fan. "HGTV should be ashamed of themselves for letting this happen."

What's Next

The cancellation of "Rehab Addict" marks a significant blow to HGTV, which has been struggling to maintain its relevance in the competitive world of reality TV.

While Curtis' future is uncertain, it is clear that she will face significant backlash and scrutiny in the coming days and weeks. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and consequences for those who use hate speech or perpetuate racism.

Conclusion

The cancellation of "Rehab Addict" is a wake-up call for HGTV and the entertainment industry as a whole. It highlights the need for greater diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity in all aspects of media production.

As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of racism, bias, and representation, it's clear that change is needed now more than ever. Only by acknowledging our mistakes and taking concrete steps to address them can we hope to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Timeline of Events

  • November 12, 2022: An episode of "Rehab Addict" is filmed at a historic home that Curtis is restoring.
  • November 2022: The incident is caught on camera and widely shared online.
  • November 2022: HGTV issues a statement apologizing for Curtis' behavior and announcing the cancellation of the show.

Key Players

  • Nicole Curtis: Star of "Rehab Addict" and home renovation expert.
  • HGTV: Network that airs "Rehab Addict" and is responsible for the show's cancellation.
  • Contractors and crew members: Individuals who worked on the show and were affected by Curtis' behavior.
  • HGTV Cancels Shows in Response to Racist Language
  • Reality TV Stars Who Have Been Cancelled or Fired Over Racial Slurs
  • The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Media Production

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