Erica Mena Apologizes and Reflects on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Departure
Erica Mena expressed her remorse after being let go from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta for using a racial slur. In a statement on September 12, the 35-year-old reality star issued an apology, acknowledging her insensitivity and taking full responsibility for her choice of words. Mena stated, “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. I am committed to listening to the voices of those affected and will work toward making amends.”
Mena also clarified that her use of the offensive word was not racially motivated, emphasizing her identity as a woman of color and a mother to two black children. She expressed her desire to use her platform to promote inclusivity and equality.
The controversy arose when Mena referred to her co-star, Spice, as a “monkey” in a recent episode. In response to the incident, MTV announced her immediate removal from the series. A statement from the show’s official Instagram page on September 2 explained, “The Love & Hip Hop franchise has never shied away from hard conversations in our community. Working hand-in-hand with our partners, viewers will see the impact of Erica Mena’s remarks play out in the final three episodes of the season. Effective immediately, she will not appear in the next season.”
Erica Mena originally joined the show in its seventh season in 2018. Prior to that, she had a stint on Love & Hip Hop New York from 2011 to 2015.
The dispute between Mena and Spice began when Spice claimed that Mena’s son King “hates” his own mother. Mena responded with the offensive remark, saying, “You monkey, you f–king blue monkey!”
Erica Mena is a mother to King, 16, with ex Raul Conde, and shares daughter Safire, 3, and son Legend, 14 months, with her ex-husband Safaree Samuels.
Spice, in the wake of the incident, shared her intentions to move forward. She expressed that she understands that drama is part of the reality TV landscape and is focused on her personal growth and journey.