‘L&HH’ Star Erica Mena Apologizes For “Monkey” Remark, Says It Wasn’t Meant To Be Racist
Three weeks after being seen on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta calling co-star Spice a “blue monkey”, Erica Mena has apologized for the remark, insisting that she didn’t mean for the insult to be taken as a racial slur.
“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.”
Mena was fired from Love & Hip Hop over the remark that took place during an argument between herself and the dancehall artist, who brought up Mena’s son — claiming he doesn’t love her — during the spat. Many immediately took offense to Spice being called a “monkey,” as it has historically been used as a racial slur against Black people, especially those of darker complexions.
“The Love & Hip Hop franchise has never shied away from hard conversations in our community,” reads a statement from the series on her dismissal. “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.”
Spice has since found herself in hot water, as well, as the artist called one of Mena’s friends, co-star Bambi, a giraffe, leading many to question her outrage over being called another animal, even while there are no racial connotations when it comes to giraffes.
“Not her calling Bambi a giraffe after crying about being called a monkey… see this why we gotta stay out them ppl business,” wrote one observer within the TSR comment section, with another adding, “So she can call people animals but can’t be Called one???”
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