Nicole Curtis, known for her past role as host of HGTV’s “Rehab Addict,” faces a lawsuit from the City of Detroit. Curtis, along with her company Detroit Renovations LLC, allegedly failed to maintain and restore a neglected house in the city, leading to its further decline. The city claims that despite legal orders and multiple code violations, the property remains a public nuisance.
The legal issues began when Curtis acquired the house in 2021 after a court case with the Detroit Land Bank Authority. Wayne County Circuit Judge Timothy Kenny labeled the property a danger, demanding restoration. Despite this, the property reportedly has several unaddressed issues, including damaged exteriors, a problematic roof, and missing gutters. These violations, according to the city, reflect ongoing noncompliance that worsens the property’s condition.
Curtis has not provided comments on the lawsuit when contacted by Fox News Digital.
Nicole Curtis gained a reputation for refurbishing 19th and early 20th-century homes while preserving their historical character. Her projects mainly focused on Detroit and Minneapolis. However, she was dismissed by HGTV in February, following the emergence of past footage where Curtis used a racial slur.
The recording, dating back to two years ago on the “Rehab Addict” set, features Curtis using derogatory language while installing wiring. She immediately requested the footage be deleted upon realizing her mistake. The incident resurfaced when a video was leaked by Radar Online, coinciding with the series’ planned television return after a three-year break.
Subsequent to the footage release, HGTV concluded “Rehab Addict” and removed the show from all platforms. In a public statement to TMZ, HGTV expressed its disappointment, citing the inappropriate language as contrary to their values. Curtis later issued an apology and addressed the matter on “The Breakfast Club” program, engaging in a frank dialogue about the incident.
During the discussion, Curtis explained her accidental use of the slur, attributing it to a mix of terms she often uses humorously. She conveyed her readiness to discuss the issue openly, acknowledging her remorse.