Former HGTV star Nicole Curtis is once again at the center of controversy after attempting to explain the racial slur that led to the cancellation of her long-running home renovation show Rehab Addict. Her remarks during a recent radio interview have ignited a new wave of criticism across social media.

Curtis, 49, appeared on “The Breakfast Club” podcast to address the incident that caused HGTV to pull her show from its platforms earlier this year. As previously reported in entertainment coverage, the network canceled the series after footage surfaced showing Curtis using a racial slur during filming.

During the interview, Curtis told hosts Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy that she often uses made-up or nonsensical phrases in casual conversation, suggesting the comment was part of that habit rather than intentional malice. She explained that she frequently invents words or uses silly expressions when speaking off the cuff.

However, the explanation did not land well with the hosts. Charlamagne questioned how the slur seemed to come out so naturally and pressed Curtis on why she chose to address the issue on a radio show with a predominantly Black audience. Curtis responded that she wanted to have an open discussion about the controversy, saying she did not appear on the show to “prove” anything.

The exchange quickly spread online, where reactions were sharply divided. Many critics argued that Curtis’ explanation sounded like an excuse rather than a sincere apology. Some social media users wrote that attempting to justify the language made the situation worse and suggested she should have simply apologized without elaborating.

Others, however, offered support, saying the television personality deserved credit for facing tough questions publicly rather than avoiding the issue altogether.

The controversy originally erupted after a video clip surfaced showing Curtis using the slur while on set. According to entertainment reports referenced in the New York Post and Fox News coverage, the footage emerged just as the show was expected to return for its ninth season.

HGTV quickly responded by removing Rehab Addict from all of its platforms. In a statement at the time, the network said the language was offensive and did not align with its values or its commitment to maintaining a respectful environment.

Curtis later issued an apology, stating that the word was wrong and insisting it was not part of her normal vocabulary. She also emphasized that her focus was on her family and personal relationships following the backlash.

Still, the latest interview suggests the controversy is far from over. As the online debate continues, Curtis remains under intense public scrutiny over the incident that ended her 15-year run with HGTV.