*Erica Mena was not invited to participate in an MTV special on racism and colorism.
The network is streaming the “Love & Hip Hop: Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth” roundtable, and it comes weeks after Mena was booted from the series after calling fellow co-star Spice a “monkey” during a heated argument.
As RadarOnline reports, the show description reads, “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.”
According to Radar, Mena was not invited to join the discussion. The special aired after the “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” finale — watch it here.
“It is very disappointing Erica was not included in the discussion about the incident that occurred while filming the show and that the network chose to silence her voice,” Mena’s rep, Steve Honig, told RadarOnline.com.
The group discusses Erica Mena calling Spice a blue monkey. #LHHATL pic.twitter.com/TI5gsaUVky
— jay (@JaysRealityBlog) September 27, 2023
He added, “She would have welcomed an opportunity to discuss what happened in a way that was productive and made this roundtable truly a valuable moment of learning for all. It is also worth noting that the network continued filming with Erica for more than seven months after the actual incident occurred, despite claims that filming with her was stopped after it happened.”
As EUR reported previously, many fans agree that Spice may have crossed the line when she told Mena that her son hates her, and Mena responded by calling the Jamaican dancehall artist a “monkey.” Shortly after the episode aired, production said Mena would not return next season.
“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,” per the statement from the production.
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 following the Spice incident, TMZ reports. “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.”
READ MORE: Erica Mena Apologizes for Calling Dancehall Artist a ‘Monkey’
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