by
Nicole Curtis
Since working on the renovation of the Ransom Gillis house in Brush Park, Nicole Curtis, host of HGTV's Rehab Addict, hasn't always been pleased with the media. And she's let it be known, even though it could be argued, that she's been unfair in her criticism.
Back in September, she unfairly criticized the media when it reported that her purse had been stolen. She wrote on Facebook that it was her "large work bag NOT purse." She criticized the media for the discrepancy regarding facts, failing to mention it was police who issued a statement about the incident and provided the facts.
On Sunday, Curtis had another media moment. She again vented on Facebook, according to Cassandra Spratling of the Detroit Free Press, who writes that Curtis has since removed the posting.
The latest incident started with the open house on Sunday at 205 Alfred Street. The public had been been invited to see the major makeover of the Ranson Gillis house by Curtis for her show, which begins airing an eight-part series on the transformation on Thursday on HGTV at 9 p.m. The media was also invited, and was given first shot to take a look before the public was let in.
Jay Farner, president of Quicken Loans, and Steven Rosenthal, a principal with Bedrock, talked to members of the media about the house. Quicken Loans is an investor in the house.
Then before photographers and reporters were set free to roam the house, Curtis announced that the media, like the public, would not be allowed to take photos. She said she didn't want the photos out there before the show. It was an awkward moment, with photographers standing there with all their photo equipment.
Then one of the Quicken Loans public relations people, to the obvious displeasure of Curtis, announced that photographers could take as many photos as they wanted. At that point, an annoyed Curtis said; "I'm going outside." Curtis then went out to talk to folks who had lined up for the event.
Nicole Curtis at the Ransom Gillis home during open house
The following morning, Curtis posted a Facebook message criticizing the media for taking photos of the house, the Freep reports.
"I woke up this morning and see interior pics of our latest project splashed on every news outlet. It's disappointing, to say the least. I asked media to stick to the exterior. I did not speak further with them as I had 2000 people in line and a very excited Tessa in my company," the post said.
"My crew has worked day and night -we have missed 3 mos of "quality" life experiences to get this done...and instead of setting a house for photographers we chose to focus on the purpose of our opens ---bringing communities together for a cause. Trust when I say these events are exhausting -we didn't get home til after midnight. While we appreciate everyone applauding our work when you come through, that wouldn't be enough to motivate us to dedicate the time ( smile emoticon)) however, knowing how much love we can send one family's way by doing so ????? So worth it."
The Freep reports that she could not be reached for comment.
In the September incident, she was not shy about criticizing the media.
On her Facebook page she writes about her robbery:
"CORRECTION TO ALMOST EVERY NEWS STORY OUT THERE."
She then went on to say that it was her "large work bag NOT purse" that was stolen. She wrote on Facebook:
"It's unfortunate that the news decided to run their own version. It kind of reminds of that game telephone we played in Junior High."
She failed to mention that police issued a statement about her robbery and said it was her purse that was stolen.
Police also said that a black SUV pulled up and someone jumped out and grabbed her work bag. She writes that the SUV was actually parked in front of her car.
Here's her complete Facebook post:
I was with my family this week. A black SUV was parked running in front of our vehicle when we approached our car. As we were loading into the car, one of the passengers jumped out of the black suv, jumped INTO my driver's seat -went for keys (they were with me outside passenger side) they then grabbed my large work bag NOT purse from where they were sitting in my car. It contained my laptop and several other items. Jumped into the black SUV and drove off.
I called 911 -I then walked a block to Where police were.
It's unfortunate that the news decided to run their own version. It kind of reminds of that game telephone we played in Junior HighBe safe - be aware. And thank you for all the emails, texts, phone calls of concern.
