The former HGTV personality, 49, posted a lengthy message on Instagram on Tuesday, Feb. 17, nearly a week after Radar Online published the clip on Feb. 11. The video surfaced on the same day her show Rehab Addict was scheduled to return to television.
In her latest statement, Curtis acknowledged what she described as many moments of kindness she has received since the video went viral. However, she also said she decided to disable comments on the post because of the hostility she has seen online. She explained that while she can handle criticism directed at her, she does not want to see people attacking one another in the comment section. Curtis encouraged followers to focus on human connection and constructive conversations rather than engaging in negativity online, adding that people should strive to do better together.
Curtis also addressed the origins of the footage, which she said was recorded four years ago. According to her post, she was not under contract with any network at the time. She compared her professional status then to that of a free agent in sports, stating that she independently hired and paid her crew and owned the footage. She denied that any crew member leaked the clip. Instead, she alleged that someone with personal access to the material demanded money from her and released it when she refused to pay.
Her new statement follows an earlier apology she shared with TMZ, in which she said the word used in the video was wrong and not part of her vocabulary. She expressed regret and apologized to those offended. Days later, she reiterated her apology on Instagram, writing that she felt remorse immediately after saying the word years ago. She stated that she was speaking out not because she was caught, but because she was troubled by her own actions.
After the video became public, HGTV confirmed that it removed Rehab Addict from its platforms. The network described the language in the clip as hurtful and disappointing and said it did not reflect its values. HGTV added that it remains committed to promoting respect and inclusion in its content and workplace.
