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HGTV Cancels 'Rehab Addict' After Nicole Curtis' Racial Slur

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A 2022 video shows Nicole Curtis, host of Home & Garden Television (HGTV)'s Rehab Addict, using a racial slur, prompting HGTV to cancel the show on February 11, 2026.
Curtis apologized, claiming footage was stolen and not filmed for HGTV, saying, "I make no excuse for this."
Her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Sawtelle, defended her, saying she is not racist but criticized her treatment of crew members, and reactions remain mixed.

History

Historical Context

Racial tensions in the U.S. intensified after the 2016 Black Lives Matter movement, which highlighted police violence against Black individuals. In 2022, HGTV host Nicole Curtis faced backlash for using a racial slur, resulting in her show's cancellation. This incident underscores the ongoing societal struggle with racism and the increasing demand for accountability from public figures in media.

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Story summary

A 2022 video shows Nicole Curtis, host of Home & Garden Television (HGTV)'s Rehab Addict, using a racial slur, prompting HGTV to cancel the show on February 11, 2026.
Curtis apologized, claiming footage was stolen and not filmed for HGTV, saying, "I make no excuse for this."
Her ex-boyfriend, Ryan Sawtelle, defended her, saying she is not racist but criticized her treatment of crew members, and reactions remain mixed.

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