Erica Mena Reportedly Apologizes For ‘Monkey’ Comment Made Toward Spice: ‘My Use Of That Word Was Not… Racially Driven’
Erica Mena is reportedly apologizing for her comments made toward Spice during the recent season of ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta.’ As The Shade Room previously reported, the 35-year-old referred to the Dancehall singer as a “blue monkey” during an episode that premiered in August. Additionally, the reality series issued a statement earlier this month […] The post Erica Mena Reportedly Apologizes For ‘Monkey’ Comment Made Toward Spice: ‘My Use Of That Word Was Not… Racially Driven’ appeared first on The Shade Room.
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Erica Mena is reportedly apologizing for her comments made toward Spice during the recent season of ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta.’ As The Shade Room previously reported, the 35-year-old referred to the Dancehall singer as a “blue monkey” during an episode that premiered in August.
Additionally, the reality series issued a statement earlier this month explaining that Mena would no longer “appear” in the show’s “next season.”
RELATED: Safaree Samuels, Lil Scrappy & Mona Scott-Young React To Erica Mena’s Ban From Next Season Of ‘LHHATL’
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect a later-shared Instagram post made by Erica Mena of her statement to TMZ. Additionally, this article has been updated to reflect Erica Mena’s response to a social media user following the sharing of her statement.
Erica Mena’s Reported Apology
According to TMZ, the reality star reportedly shared an exclusive statement with the outlet. Mena explained that she “deeply” regrets her “insensitive” comments and “thoughtlessness.”
“I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humbly apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness…”
Additionally, the mother of three shared that her “choice of words was wrong.” However, she ultimately takes “full responsibility” for what she said.
“My choice of words was wrong, and I take full responsibility for what I said.”
Before concluding her statement, Mena explained that she is “committed” to listening to the “voices of those affected.” She even added that she will “work toward making amends.” The reality star ultimately explained that she is a “woman of color” and a “mother of two Black children,” so she wants to “make” one thing “clear.”
“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.”
Mena concluded by reiterating that she understands the “gravity” of her words. Furthermore, she also vowed to use her “platform to promote inclusivity and equality.”
“That said, I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality.”
(@ericamena)
TMZ also noted that Mena “identifies” as Afro-Latina and has Dominican and Puerto Rican roots.
TSR Update
After sharing her statement to TMZ on Instagram Tuesday evening, Mena also responded to a social media user. The social media user questioned Mena, asking if Spice ever apologized to her for her comment about Mena’s son.
However, Mena responded by alleging that Spice “will never have the guts.”
A Brief Recap On Erica Mena’s Words Toward Spice & Their Consequences Thus Far
As The Shade Room previously reported, footage of Erica Mena and Spice’s heated exchange premiered on August 30. In the episode, the pair met for lunch alongside fellow reality star Shekinah.
As the conversation unfolded, Spice referred to Mena’s eldest son, alleging that he dislikes her. Then, Mena retaliated by flipping the table they were seated at and referring to Spice as a “blue monkey.”
The interaction ultimately went viral, with many social media users calling Mena out for her harmful language.
RELATED: Spice Reacts To Erica Mena’s ‘Blue Monkey’ Insult After Singer Said Erica Is Disliked By Her Eldest Son
After the incident went viral, Spice sat down for an exclusive interview with Forbes, where she explained that since the taping of that episode, she’s been “doing so great,” as per The Shade Room. Additionally, the Dancehall artist detailed why she isn’t taking Mena’s comments to heart.
On the flipside, however, it appears matters only took a turn for the worse for Erica Mena. Earlier this month, ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’ released a public statement on Mena’s removal from the upcoming season, “effective immediately.”
Since then, Mena has also been removed from the upcoming season of ‘Hush’ on AllBlk.
Roomies, what do you think of Erica Mena’s apology?
The post Erica Mena Reportedly Apologizes For ‘Monkey’ Comment Made Toward Spice: ‘My Use Of That Word Was Not… Racially Driven’ appeared first on The Shade Room.
