Fired ‘Love & Hip Hop’ Star Erica Mena Issues Apology For Calling Spice A ‘Monkey,’ Claims Her Remarks Were Not ‘Racially Driven’

Fired ‘Love & Hip Hop’ Star Erica Mena Issues Apology For Calling Spice A ‘Monkey,’ Claims Her Remarks Were Not ‘Racially Driven’

Reality television personality Erica Mena has finally issued an apology for her (seemingly) racist remarks. 

As you may recall, Erica Mena found herself in hot water after calling dancehall artist/reality TV star Spice a “monkey.” The situation was displayed during a recent episode of “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.“

Initially, the two women met to discuss comments Erica Mena’s ex, Safaree Samuels, claimed she made about Spice.

Erica Mena, Skekinah Anderson, Spice

However, things quickly escalated into a table-flipping altercation. During their dispute, Spice, born Grace Latoya Hamilton, mentioned Mena’s relationship with her teenage son, which seemingly hit a nerve for the “Picture Me Dead” actress. After flipping the table, Mena proceeded to shout back at Spice – who often wears blue hair –

 “You monkey, you f*cking blue monkey!” 

https://twitter.com/TweetsTrail/status/1698159684761637276

It wasn’t long before Mena’s comments landed her in major trouble, as the remarks were deemed racist by many.

Mena, who identifies as an Afro-Latina with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots, was ultimately fired from “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.” In addition, she was let go from the AllBlk series “Hush.” In a new statement shared with TMZ, Mena spoke on the situation for the first time and apologized for her actions. She said, 

“I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humbly apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness. My choice of words was wrong, and I take full responsibility for what I said.”

The ex “Love & Hip Hop” star continued, noting that her use of the word “monkey” was not “racially driven.” She ended her apology by adding:

“I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmm34UxDArA

Spice has previously commented on the situation and called out those who seemed to excuse Erica Mena’s comments. The Jamaican native blamed colorism as the reason why some people were attempting to defend Mena’s actions.  

Do you think the consequences of Erica Mena’s actions are appropriate? Tell us in the comments. 

[VIA]