Erica Mena Apologizes for Calling Dancehall Artist a ‘Monkey’

*“Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Erica Mena has apologized for calling co-star Spice a “blue monkey.”

We reported previously that Mena was booted from the series for using the derogatory racial slur. Many fans agree that Spice may have crossed the line by telling the former model that her son hates her, so Mena responded by calling the Jamaican dancehall artist a “monkey.”

As Vibe reports, Mena has a history of calling Black women monkeys, but she claims she isn’t racist. 

“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,” Mena said in a statement to TMZ. “I am committed to listening to the voices of those affected and will work toward making amends.

“As a woman of color and the mother of two black children, I want to make it clear that my use of that word was not in any way racially driven,” she added. “That said, I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality.”

 

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Mena was fired from “Love & Hip Hop” over the remark. A statement from the production said: “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 of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta.”

In response to the show’s statement on Instagram, one fan commented, “Nah I’m not for ppl getting fired , That’s crazy .. Ppl say shit in the heat of the moment. I’ve seen and heard worse on show.”

Another person wrote, “Y’all ok with them beating each other up… but a remark is where you draw the line ???? yea ok.”

A third IG user added, “Y’all filmed the shit, edited the shit then aired it so please cut the shit! Selective outrage.”

In case you missed it, watch Erica and Spice’s firey moment via the IG clip below.

 

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READ MORE: Erica Mena Fired from ‘Love & Hip Hop’ for Calling Spice ‘Monkey’ 

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