Nicole Curtis, the star and producer behind the HGTV show "Rehab Addict" has been removed from all HGTV platforms, according to the network.
The move to remove Curtis from the network comes after HGTV was made aware of "an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict," a statement from HGTV sent to the Free Press on Wednesday, Feb. 11 said.
"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 statement said.
In a videoreleased by Radar Onlineon Wednesday, Curtis says "Oh fart n-----." After saying that, she immediately says, "What the f--- is that that I just said? Nick, you gotta, can you kill that?"According to an anonymous source in the Radar article, the video was taken on set while recording the show about two years ago.
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HGTV has removed "Rehab Addict" from all platforms, according to the statement. HGTV did not immediately respond to a follow up question about if the show is still on streaming platforms. It no longer appears on HBO Max as of Wednesday night.
"We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace," according to the statement.
In an Instagram story on Wednesday evening, Curtis wrote:
"There is more to this, but my family comes first and I need to be mom right now more than anything else. 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."
In the next story, she posted what appears to be a text message she sent to TMZ.
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"Regarding HGTV, I'm grateful for the 15-year journey we've shared," according to a text screenshot shared in her Instagram story. "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. I want to be clear: the word in question is wrong and not part of my vocabulary and never has been, and l apologize to everyone.
"As discussed, I'm a mom and I was doing mom things all day and unplugged. I realize my shows were airing, but my family is my priority and I'm just catching up to all this now."
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According to the message, posted around 8:30 p.m., she was "doing mom things all day and unplugged." She said her family is her priority and she is "just catching up to all this now."
Curtis's removal from HGTV comes thesame day that episodes 3 and 4 of season nine were planned to air at noonon Wednesday. HGTV did not immediately respond if the removal of Curtis happened before or after the episodes aired.
A spokesperson for Curtis did not immediately respond to Free Press request for comment. Curtis did not immediately respond to a social media direct message request for comment.
Contact Natalie Davies atndavies@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press:Nicole Curtis' 'Rehab Addict' removed from HGTV after 'racial comment'