Erica Mena’s reaction to ‘LHHATL’ racism and colorism discussion, echoing her stance on how “Love & Hip-Hop” perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Erica Mena’s Response to ‘LHHATL’ Racism & Colorism Roundtable Discussion
The aftermath of a controversial segment on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta continues to unfold. Erica Mena has expressed her thoughts regarding the show’s decision to host a panel discussion on the topics of colorism and racism.
Mena faced significant criticism for using a racial/colorist slur against Black people when she referred to Spice as a “f###ing blue monkey” during a scene. This incident resulted in her dismissal from Love & Hip Hop.
Erica Mena has now shared her response to the announcement by ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’ about the roundtable discussion scheduled after its season finale. The discussion aims to delve into issues related to racism and colorism. Mena received backlash for her use of the derogatory term when referring to her fellow castmate Spice during an episode that aired in August.
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Following the incident, the series announced that Erica Mena, a mother of three, would not be “featured” in the show’s upcoming season. Subsequently, Mena issued an apology for her remark.
“I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humbly apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness,” Mena stated after losing her job. “My choice of words was wrong, and I take full responsibility for what I said.”
She also added, “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.”
Love & Hip Hop, in collaboration with the racial justice organization Color of Change, introduced a program titled “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth,” which premiered on September 26. The special featured appearances from Love & Hip Hop alumni such as Spice, Yandy Smith, Yung Joc, Scrappy, Rasheeda, and others.
In response to the announcement of “Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth,” Erica Mena shared a lengthy message on Instagram. She commented on the Love & Hip Hop/Color of Change post regarding the nearly one-hour roundtable discussion.
Mena’s response read:
“I think it’s absolutely fair that I speak under this post. Especially because I was indeed filming nonstop for seven months after the actual incident between me and that other individual happened. The network chose to still film with me nonstop which is why I was used as the base storyline for the whole second half of this actual season. They had this footage for months. They chose to [edit] it how they wanted and aired it. It’s only now they are desperate trying to save face and using me to so. If I’m being used to set an example why was I not [a part] of this ’round table’ discussion? Why are they so desperate to film nonstop right now to make up for everything I shot that they can’t use now? Desperate to save face but true and only reason a statement was even made by the network was because [of] the backlash. Not because they truly believed what I said was a racial slur.
“The fact that they’re now making a mockery of the situation by using individuals who have indeed said things just as bad. Messy Yandy herself in 2015 at Hot 97 on air called me “an ass monkey“ – to try and save face for this network’s sponsors is pathetic. If you really wanted to save face why not have the two women who are just as wrong in that scene have this conversation since now this network feels it needs to be had. I gave this franchise 13 plus years and now they need to save face so they are gonna wear my name out on this to make up for their f### up. The sad truth in all of this – this franchise has always depicted us as zoo animals anyway. Sending so much love to my supporters. I love y’all.”
On Tuesday, ‘Love And Hip Hop’ viewers were given an update
The show’s official account on X, previously known as Twitter, shared the announcement with fans on Tuesday morning. In the post, the series revealed plans for a ’roundtable’ discussion on racism and colorism following the show’s finale on September 26 at 9 p.m.
The announcement listed the cast members and Color Of Change | We help you do something real about injustice.. Furthermore, it appeared to imply that the MTV network had made the decision to sever ties with Erica Mena.
The statement read,
“This roundtable discusses the recent events that aired on the show before MTV decided to stop filming with Erica Mena. International colorism expert Dr. Sarah L. Webb, founder and owner of Colorism Healing, a leader in raising awareness, shifting attitudes, and taking action, leads an open dialogue that features Spice, Yandy, Joc, Scrappy, Sierra, Amy, and a special appearance from Rasheeda sharing their experiences.”