HGTV's Nicole Curtis claimed she was being extorted with a video of her using a racial slur shortly before it was leaked. Curtis, 49, addressed speculation that someone on her crew released the footage that ultimately got her fired from the network, writing via Instagram on Wednesday, February 18, "I was not contracted to any network or show. (think free agent in sports) Any crew hired, paid by me, The footage is mine. My crew didn't steal my footage." The reality TV star alleged that someone close to her was blackmailing her. "I don't have 'sets'. I own all my properties.