AceShowbiz - Nicole Curtis, the former HGTV host known for Rehab Addict, recently appeared on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club to address the controversy that led to her firing. The interview quickly turned contentious as Curtis struggled to explain the use of a highly offensive racial slur captured on video during filming.

The incident, which involved Curtis uttering the term "fart n***er," became public and led to her termination from HGTV. During the interview with host Charlamagne tha God, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, the question was straightforward: “What is a ‘fart n***er’?” Curtis admitted she was unaware of the meaning and claimed it was not a phrase she ever intended to say.

Nicole Curtis attempted to clarify by suggesting she mistakenly merged two nonsense expressions she often uses, “fart knocker” and “fart digger.” Curtis explained that these made-up phrases are part of her way of expressing herself on camera without swearing, as she is a mother to boys and must keep her language clean for TV. She attributed the slip to the fast pace of her work and speech.

Despite her explanation, the hosts, especially Charlamagne, were skeptical. Charlamagne had already labeled Curtis “Donkey of the Day” weeks earlier when the footage first surfaced. Curtis said that after learning about this designation, she proactively reached out to the radio show to discuss the matter personally.

Discussing the leak of the video, Curtis said it was shared by “another human in the world” who had access to the footage. She declined to name the individual but speculated that it was a non-Black man with a motive to “ruin” her and “crush her soul.”

Throughout the interview, Curtis emphasized her connection to Detroit, where she was born and still lives, highlighting her exposure to and relationships within the Black community. She insisted, “I’m not some token white bitch,” aiming to reinforce her sensitivity to racial issues and the gravity of the word she used.

HGTV responded to the controversy with a statement released about a month ago, saying, “HGTV was recently made aware of an offensive racial comment made during the filming of Rehab Addict. 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 network confirmed they had removed the series from all HGTV platforms and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering respect and inclusion.

Nicole Curtis rejected suggestions to hire a crisis PR team or stage a media campaign to salvage her image. She stated, “When this first came out, everyone suggested that I hire a crisis PR team... Like, no, that’s not what I’m about.”

The interview footage reveals a tense exchange as Curtis faced pointed questions and a lack of forgiveness from the radio hosts. The controversy remains a significant stain on her public persona, raising ongoing questions about accountability and the impact of private moments becoming public in today’s media landscape.