{"id":2292274,"date":"2026-02-21T05:41:36","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T05:41:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2292274"},"modified":"2026-02-21T05:41:36","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T05:41:36","slug":"was-nicole-curtis-blackmailed-ex-hgtv-star-claims-someone-personal-demanded-money-before-racial-slur-video-was-leaked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/was-nicole-curtis-blackmailed-ex-hgtv-star-claims-someone-personal-demanded-money-before-racial-slur-video-was-leaked\/","title":{"rendered":"Was Nicole Curtis Blackmailed? Ex HGTV Star Claims &#8216;Someone Personal&#8217; Demanded Money Before Racial Slur Video Was Leaked"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<h3 class=\"mb-4 text-lg font-bold\">NEED TO KNOW<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Former HGTV star Nicole Curtis claimed \u201csomeone personal\u201d to her was demanding money before footage of her saying the n-word\u00a0was leaked<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The video resulted in her HGTV show <em>Rehab Addict <\/em>being cancelled the same day it was set to return<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 list-disc\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a previous Instagram post, Curtis claimed someone had \u201cstolen\u201d the footage from her\u00a0after it circulated online earlier in February<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/tag\/nicole-curtis\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Nicole Curtis;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Nicole Curtis<\/a> is claiming \u201csomeone personal\u201d to her demanded money before video footage of her using a racial slur was leaked earlier this month.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A clip of the former HGTV star, 49, saying the n-word was shared by <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DUo66DdCt6S\/?img_index=1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Radar Online;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>Radar Online<\/em><\/a> on Wednesday, Feb. 11.\u00a0 The video \u2014 which circulated the same day her HGTV show <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/nicole-curtis-and-hgtv-announce-surprise-return-of-rehab-addict-11903552\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Rehab Addict;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>Rehab Addict<\/em><\/a> was set to return \u2014 resulted in the new season being pulled and the series being removed \u201cfrom all HGTV platforms,\u201d the network previously confirmed to PEOPLE in a statement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a Feb. 17 <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DU4clXpDjE4\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Instagram;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">Instagram<\/a> post, Curtis reiterated that the footage was captured four years ago and that it was not for any HGTV show or project with the network.\u00a0She also went on to allege that someone &#8220;demanded&#8221; money from her at some point before it was released to the public.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><i>Nicole Curtis <\/i><\/p>\n<p>Nicole Curtis\/Instagram<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cI was not contracted to any network or show. (think free agent in sports) Any crew hired, paid by me, the footage is mine,\u201d she wrote in the caption. \u201cMy crew didn\u2019t steal my footage. I don\u2019t have \u2018sets.\u2019 I own all my properties.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She added, of the footage, \u201cSomeone personal (not crew) had access, demanded $, I didn\u2019t pay &#8211; here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In an earlier Instagram post addressing the situation, she apologized for using the racial slur before alleging that it was \u201cstolen&#8221; from her.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Her caption read, in part, \u201cI am sorry. I am filled with remorse and regret, just as much as I was one second after that word was said 4 years ago in 2022.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She then went on to claim viewers are \u201cgetting a limited view as what has been circulating is a clip of MY footage that was stolen then manipulated, edited and sold to s [sic] tabloid to coincide with my return to television only to create this chaos of hate, anger, disappointment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">\u201cThat was all my footage, my cameras, my house &#8211; it was not for HGTV, not for a show, no one would have ever seen the footage,\u201d she continued, adding, \u201cHGTV was not aware because it was shot on my own personal time, done and equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Nicole Curtis for 'Rehab Addict' Nicole Curtis\/Instagram\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"641\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/y_DxALasCsz9EzQwQbp3Rg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MTtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/people_218\/e09f922e97a92d88198f492f9c0abe7d\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal dialogue\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\"><i>Nicole Curtis for &#8216;Rehab Addict&#8217; <\/i><\/p>\n<p>Nicole Curtis\/Instagram<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for<\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/people-news-daily-newsletter-sign-up-8692701\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:PEOPLE's free daily newsletter;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong> PEOPLE&#8217;s free daily newsletter<\/strong><\/a><strong> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Rehab Addict<\/em>, which first premiered in 2010, followed Curtis as she worked to restore historic, run-down homes mostly around her hometown of Detroit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The series <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/nicole-curtis-returns-hgtv-hiatus-rehab-addict-after-secret-personal-life-setback-11759167\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:returned for season 9 in June 2025;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">returned for season 9 in June 2025<\/a> and aired two episodes before Curtis &#8220;made the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/nicole-curtis-says-made-executive-decision-shelve-rehab-addict-hgtv-schedule-after-2-episodes-11770245\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:executive decision&quot; to shelve and recut the remaining episodes.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">executive decision&#8221; to shelve and recut the remaining episodes.<\/a> Earlier this month, she <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/nicole-curtis-and-hgtv-announce-surprise-return-of-rehab-addict-11903552\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:announced;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">announced<\/a> the show would officially be returning to HGTV on Feb. 11 in a joint Instagram post with the network.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">However, after the clip surfaced online, the network confirmed to PEOPLE that it was pulling the new season, noting at the time that Curtis\u2019 language was \u201churtful and disappointing\u201d and \u201cdoes not align with the values of HGTV.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The statement added, &#8220;We have removed the series from all HGTV platforms. We remain dedicated to fostering a culture of respect and inclusion across our content and our workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Read the original article on <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/people.com\/nicole-curtis-claims-someone-personal-demanded-money-before-racial-slur-video-was-leaked-11911113\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:People;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \">People<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source nz.news.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NEED TO KNOW Former HGTV star Nicole Curtis claimed \u201csomeone personal\u201d to her was demanding money before footage of her saying the n-word\u00a0was leaked The video resulted in her HGTV show Rehab Addict being cancelled the same day it was set to return In a previous Instagram post, Curtis claimed someone had \u201cstolen\u201d the footage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2292275,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25177],"tags":[46793,399087,53779,360418,444142],"class_list":["post-2292274","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrities","tag-hgtv","tag-hgtv-star","tag-instagram-post","tag-nicole-curtis","tag-video-footage"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Was-Nicole-Curtis-Blackmailed-Ex-HGTV-Star-Claims-Someone-Personal.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2292274","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2292274"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2292274\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2292276,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2292274\/revisions\/2292276"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2292275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2292274"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2292274"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2292274"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}