HGTV alum Nicole Curtis was fired from the network and her long-running “Rehab Addict” TV series in February 2026 after footage of her saying the N-word surfaced online.

Curtis apologized for her actions in a statement and later shared a lengthy post on Instagram, explaining that she is full of “remorse and regret” over her previous comments.

Nicole Curtis’ ex-boyfriend, Ryan Sawtelle, who also appeared on previous episodes of “Rehab Addict,” spoke out following Curtis’ firing, admitting that while she might be a terrible person, she’s not “racist.”

Curtis’ firing made headlines on February 12, 2026. In a video shared online, Curtis appears frustrated while working on a project with another crew member. During the scene, Curtis randomly shouts “fart n—er” before asking another production member to “kill” the moment.

In a statement to TMZ, HGTV claimed it was totally unaware of Curtis’ use of inappropriate language on the set of “Rehab Addict” and rushed to make things right by cancelling her show and pulling it from the air.

“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 company’s statement read.

Curtis addressed the controversy almost instantly in a statement to TMZ, telling the publication that the N-word is “not part of my vocabulary and never has been” before apologizing “to everyone.”

While Curtis admitted she was unaware of the network’s decision to cancel her show, she expressed her gratitude for the years she spent on the air.

“I’m grateful for the 15-year journey we’ve shared. 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,” she said.

On Instagram, Curtis shared an even longer statement, admitting she knew she had caused “anger” and “pain.” The reality star stated that she would face the heat rather than wait for the moment to die down.

“I’ve just been playing this all over and over again and watching the video and having this all out together to say the right thing, do the right thing after doing the wrongest of wrongs,” she wrote. “I 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.”

Curtis’ apology fell on deaf ears, however, as many replied to the “Rehab Addict” alum’s post, blasting her for what they viewed as a completely inauthentic apology.

“This is how y’all talk in private regardless so there really wasn’t a point in apologizing,” one user said.

“Why didn’t you apologize in 2022? You knew you said it, you knew it was recorded, and yet you hoped no one would ever find out. Your apology is late and selling it to a tabloid is not at all the same as you using that word,” another shared.

“Baby this is a part of your daily vocabulary that hard ER is not what you hear in rap songs or what you hear black ppl use WITH EACH OTHER you said it in harsh way and this is how you all talk around the dinner table without a doubt!!” a third posted.

Bethenny Frankel goes on another rant after a massive reaction to her controversial video!

The media personality could not wait to clapback at those who took the content of her critiquing Bad Bunny’s show, emphasizing that speaking one’s mind without fear should be normalized.

Bethenny Frankel has always maintained a very vocal approach to issues, and the Super Bowl halftime show was not spared as she asked questions pertaining to the true essence of the platform.

The former reality star did not spare a minute out of the shower before she jumped into the agenda of the day, which involved how her fans reacted to her reservations about Bad Bunny’s performance.

She began by saying that the errors made about Puerto Rico in her initial video could have been corrected by her fans, instead of them using that avenue to attack her.

Frankel condemned the faux outrage often directed towards anyone with a different opinion by Americans, wondering why healthy dialogue is never an option.

She did not stop there; the star also wondered why it is often very controversial when one refuses to fit into the box of partisan politics, emphasizing that life is not a zero-sum game.

Frankel also crowned herself the queen of honest opinions, claiming that only a few people are not afraid of getting canceled for their perspectives.

She also informed fans that the celebrities who often speak publicly do not necessarily believe in what they share because they are all texting her on the side, stating the opposite. 

Frankel emphasized that she keeps things real and whenever she speaks, it is coming from a place of consistent thought, and if anyone feels differently, they can educate her, discuss with her, and even correct her.

She then took her concerns mainstream, insisting that she is not the only one who could use a dialogue; the whole country should consider getting one too, due to its teeming population and differing perspectives.

The internet personality signed off in the video with a warning that she cannot be bullied, and if anyone comes for her, it would not be an easy takedown. In her words:

“I’m not tolerating this anymore. You wanna go? Let’s f-cking go. You’re not gonna take me down, but I would prefer to have a conversation. You’re welcome.” Frankel wrote on the footage, “This is who I am. Unfollow me or cancel me.”

The 55-year-old had hopped on Instagram a few days after the Super Bowl to upload a now-deleted video where she asked if entertainment vehicles like the Grammys, Emmys, Oscars, and the Super Bowl could be used to convey political messages.

As reported by Page Six, while she understands that some sensitive matters like COVID, natural disasters, and other tragedies can be dissected on such big platforms, she noted that a line must be drawn on issues.

She also compared Bad Bunny’s performance to Dave Chappelle’s controversial transphobic views in 2021 during one of his shows, and Billie Eilish’s anti-ICE in her Grammys 2026 acceptance speech.

Frankel then deleted the video and uploaded a clip of her praising the Puerto Rican rapper for using her rights to speak up.

Frankel’s episodes with halftime shows at the Super Bowl did not just start. Last year, The Blast shared that she had a short story time on her Instagram account, filling her fans in on a bathroom situation where a broken knob left her locked in the building.

Frankel revealed that she sought help on social media to notify her colleagues at the watch party about her predicament, as they had not all replied to her texts. The star added that she had screamed for help for minutes now, but nothing has changed.

Help finally came, although viewers on her Instagram story could see how tricky the situation was due to the inability of the person outside to get into the building.

She finally escaped the building (though not sharing how) and spent the rest of the night dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s iconic performance. Frankel later explained that her quest to take the perfect mirror selfie of her game day outfit left her locked in the bathroom.

Lisa Rinna announced that she would not be returning to “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills“ in January 2023. She joined the long-running Bravo series in 2014. Now, while promoting her upcoming memoir, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It,” “The Traitors” star is opening up about her departure and when she knew that it was time to move on from the show.

Rinna appeared as a guest on the February 12 episode of “The Julia Cunningham Show.” During the show, the host asked the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star about the circumstances surrounding her exit from the show. She started in the clip, “I mean, I knew, I knew at BravoCon. I was like, ‘Oh, I think this ride’s over.’”

For context, she attended BravoCon in October 2022 in New York City. Sadly for her, while going on stage for the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” panel, she was booed by the audience.

Rinna continued, “I… the wheels on the bus just flew off. I couldn’t contain myself. I couldn’t control myself. I was acting out in so many ways. Everyone saw it. Everyone heard it. Everyone felt it, and you know, it’s the only thing I could do at that point, and I knew it was time to be done.”

The former “Days of Our Lives” star continued, revealing that she almost quit the series before her official announcement. She said on the radio show, “I almost quit at the reunion. I was right there gonna do it. Woulda shoulda coulda, but I was ready to say it, and then of course, I go home, and I write an email that night, and I text everyone, and I say, ‘I’m done.’”

After that, the host brought up the moment from the reunion where Rinna knew it was time to leave “RHOBH.” Notably, the incident involved a disagreement with Kathy Hilton after Rinna accused her of having a meltdown on a cast trip. At the reunion, Hilton was allowed to bring her publicist on stage when they discussed the accusation.

According to Rinna, “That’s when I knew curtains were for me. I knew it. I saw her publicist, who I’ve known for years, and I know that that’s something they never allow, and I was like, here they come, they’re gonna f-ing kill me.”

“RHOBH” fans are reacting to the clip of Rinna’s interview on “The Julia Cunningham Show.” Many were on her side, while others had differing opinions. One person said on TikTok, “Team Rinna. And she was 100% right about Kathy.” Someone else wrote, “Why does Kathy have a publicist? What does Kyle do for a job? Does Dorit work?”

A different “RHOBH” fan said, ” I think we all believe Kathy def had a meltdown and said things lol, but Lisa went about it wrong. She overplayed her cards. I do miss her on RHOBH tho.” Another person wrote, “She played the villain for her entire time on the show – let’s be real.”

Finally, someone else stated that Rinna regretted quitting and then tried to retract after her initial email. Notably, Andy Cohen confirmed that she changed her mind about a week after deciding to quit. The fan said, “She neglected to leave out that five minutes after she sent that email. She sent another email to Bravo, saying wait. I don’t wanna quit. I wanna come back, and they didn’t bring her back.”

“RHOBH” is currently in its 15th season, and it’s been roughly three years since Rinna left. Many fans feel the series needs a cast shakeup, and some argue that the actress’ presence has been missing for quite some time now. However, she has stated recently that she has no interest in returning.

She appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in 2024, speaking in-depth about why she wouldn’t consider returning to the show. When asked, she responded, “No, never. No, I wouldn’t.”

Rinna continued, “I’m grateful for that show. I’m the person I am today because of it, but I’ll never go back. Nope, I did it. Did it, done it, saw the movie. I’m acting again [and] I’m not kidding — you laugh, but it’s true. I think it made me a better actor.”

Jelly Roll‘s wife, Bunnie Xo, gets candid about her reality with her medicated weight loss journey.

The podcaster revealed the emotional downside she faced as she worked on her physical being. Talking about a phase she does not wish to relive, she acknowledged that many others might be silently going through similar experiences, offering encouragement.

Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie Xo, has often shared her personal experiences on a wide range of topics with the public as a medium to build a connection with her fans. From events surrounding her childhood,  adulthood, faith, health, and marriage, she leaves no stone unturned.

Bunnie Xo shared her recent ordeal with the popular weight loss drug, GLP-1, noting that the aftereffects were not pleasant.  She revealed that in December last year, it got so bad that she went through a bout of suicidal ideation while using the medication.

Before getting on the diabetic medication, she priced herself in the fact that she never dealt with depression despite her difficult life phases. She admitted that she had only battled with anxiety, so having depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts was a new wave for her.

“That was one of the darkest times of my life, and it was scary,” the podcaster exclusively told PEOPLE. “So when you get slammed with suicidal ideation and visions and just, oh, it was horrific.” Bunnie Xo did not waste time elaborating on the difference between the feelings of anxiety and depression.  

She said, “You want to have anxiety because you want to be scared to die. You don’t want to have depression because you literally don’t care if you want to die. So yeah, it was really dark.” Speaking further, she explained that having suicidal ideation was really bad, as she had not experienced any since 2020.

Still in her interview, the media personality noted that her emotional health had improved compared to where she was at last December.  Bunnie Xo then revealed that her parents had diabetes, so she thought GLP-1 would improve her health.

“Both my parents had diabetes. So my insulin numbers are really crazy, and my body just cannot tolerate it,” she revealed before adding that she wished she were skinny and did not have to worry about weight gain.

Concluding her statement, the podcaster had a message to everyone going through a similar ordeal. She shared that, as much as the thought that they were going through it alone loomed, they should remember that everyone faces hard times.

The wife of the country singer stressed that people facing similar challenges should not give in to suicidal thoughts, as suicide is a permanent decision for a temporary emotion. 

While Bunnie Xo’s trials tilted towards her emotional and mental state, her husband’s leaned on the physical. Jelly Roll previously got down to details about how his obesity affected his daily lifestyle and his sex life.

The musician detailed the intricacies of his sex life with his wife, explaining how he could not perform well in bed due to being overweight. The Blast shared that, besides getting into the act, Jelly Roll had issues getting aroused even while looking at his beautiful wife’s body.

He described his sex life as being at an all-time low before he made a conscious effort to lose weight by letting go of drugs, alcohol, and changing many of his life habits. Jelly Roll did not hold back with the details; he likened intimate moments with his wife to playing a game of Twister.

“Left foot here, right foot in the X. You know, are we in there yet? Tell me if you feel something,” the country singer detailed. Jelly Roll also noted that being obese put a strain on bonding with his son, Noah, as he could not play sports like basketball with him despite his desire to.

In an earlier release, The Blast detailed a phase where Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll had their marriage on the rocks. This happened due to the country singer’s wave of infidelity.

The musician admitted his fault, though insisting that his cheating did not translate to a claim that he did not love the podcaster. The situation ultimately led to the lovebirds separating for a while, but they came back stronger as a couple and renewed their vows in 2023.

“Who knew that us breaking up in 2018, me moving back to Vegas & you coming to get me back – would. Our castle in the sand had to crumble so we could rebuild on solid ground,” Bunnie Xo wrote on social media.

Jelly Roll revealed that his moment of infection was one of the worst in his lifetime, explaining that it stemmed from the wrong crowd he hung around with.

He noted that he kept company with men who cheated on their partners, prompting him to view cheating as the norm. The bad influence, alongside his heavy drug use, led him to allow his fleshy desires to take control.

In the new explosive tell-all docuseries, “Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model,” several personalities from the early 2000s reality show discussed some of the series’ most controversial moments and its place in pop culture history.

The Netflix documentary also explored Tyra Banks’ alleged fallout with Jay Manuel—something that occurred after the former creative director revealed he wanted to step away from competition series during an earlier season.

While the first episode of “Reality Check” gives viewers a bit of background on how “America’s Next Top Model” came to be, the second and third episodes delve into some of the show’s biggest scandals, including Manuel’s relationship with Banks.

Manuel explained in one of the docuseries’ confessional interviews that although he initially loved filming the show, he was ready to spread his wings and pursue other opportunities after a few years as the reality show’s creative director.

Leaving, however, wasn’t as easy as Manuel thought it’d be. “I just felt like if I said no to Tyra I would be letting her down,” Manuel said in one of the episodes.

When Manuel finally worked up the courage to speak with Banks about his future on the show, he said he had sent her an email, and she replied with three words that would permanently change their dynamic.

“I am disappointed,” the reported email said.

Manuel shared that after he announced his plans to leave the series, executives called and begged him to stay on for another season so they would have more time to find his replacement.

Manuel added that whoever he was speaking to essentially threatened to have him blacklisted had he chosen not to return. “There was a warning that strikes the fear of God in you,” he said. “You know, people talk about being blacklisted. Those words were not used, but I had suspected that that’s what it would turn into.”

Manuel’s relationship with Banks is just a small portion of the docuseries, according to an earlier report from The Blast. In addition to Manuel, other judges, J. Alexander and Nigel Barker, along with creator Ken Mok, and former contestants Whitney Thompson, Giselle Samson, Shannon Stewart, Shandi Sullivan, Dani Evans, and Keenyah Hill, are also involved.

The episodes take viewers on a trip down memory lane, looking back on some of “America’s Next Top Model’s” most controversial moments, including the race-swapping challenge, how producers edited certain women to look, and the network’s decision to air Sullivan’s heartbreaking break-up with her boyfriend, and what led to that.

At one point in the series, Banks admits that at a certain point, things on the set of “ANTM” got out of hand.

“I knew I went too far. It was very, very intense, but you guys were demanding it, so we kept pushing it, more and more and more,” the former Victoria’s Secret model shared.

Regarding the season 4 race-swapping shoot (which has garnered much backlash from social media users today), Manuel admitted that he knew it wasn’t right. “My parents are from South Africa, they grew up during Apartheid. I’m very aware of that history and I just said, like, race swapping? Wow,” he said on camera.

Manuel even claimed that he asked to be excused from the shoot but was denied. “I recognized that my role was starting to have limitations and that shoot was happening regardless,” he added. “If you really look for it, you can see it on my face. Especially the setup for the day where I tell the girls what we’re doing. I could tell. I was just like, double swallowing, but I just had to do my job.”