Erica Mena's Controversial Remarks: No Apology to Spice for 'Monkey' Comment Divides Opinions
Erica Mena stands firm, refusing to apologize to Spice after using a racial slur, sparking controversy She claims Spice didn't hear the slur during their 'LHHATL' fight, and accuses producers of prioritizing ratings over integrity in Season 11
Article Summary
Erica Mena expresses remorse for her fight with Spice but refuses to apologize, citing Spice's past behavior and disrespectful comments.
The reality star who was disgraced claims that the producers of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta prioritized ratings instead of integrity by failing to address the racial slur incident without delay. Erica believes that the post-production team also shares the blame for the negative backlash, as they should have included conversations on racism prior to the episode being broadcasted in order to properly tackle the issue.
Erica Mena continues to express her truth in the recently released part 2 of her interview with Carlos King. Among the various topics discussed, Erica's altercation with Spice, which ultimately resulted in her dismissal from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, has intrigued fans. She shares her perspective on the incident and even displays remorse, at least until Spice is mentioned.
Right from the start, the conversation between the two becomes intense. Erica tries to discuss the challenges she faces as a single mother, prompting Spice to counter that there are many single mothers worldwide who also endure hardships. At this point, Erica reveals that she has been a single mother for 16 years, and this marks a turning point in the altercation. Spice responds by acknowledging Erica's 16-year journey as a single parent,
"You and your son have a strained relationship, whereas my son genuinely loves me."
The derogatory comment aimed at a Black person as a monkey is an offensive and racist insult with historical roots. It was historically utilized to devalue Africans, both those living on the continent and those who were enslaved in Western nations. The response from the public was immediate, reflecting widespread condemnation of Erica's actions. Amidst the general outrage, some fans noted the questionable actions of the producers, questioning why this incident was not addressed before it was broadcasted.
Erica Mena Apologizes to the Black Community, But Not Spice
Alleges That Spice Didn’t Hear the Slur In Their ‘LHHATL’ Fight
Image via VH1
In the second part of his interview with Erica, Carlos wastes no time addressing the incident that led to her dismissal from LHHATL. He raises the issue of a cultural divide between Black and Latinx women, expressing that they desire the rhythm, not the blues. Initially, Erica responds with a somewhat uniform perspective, stating that we are all the same. However, she ultimately shifts gears and takes responsibility for her mistake, albeit partially. Erica acknowledges and apologizes to those who were offended by her previous remarks. She reassures them, saying, "I understand it will take time, but if given the chance, I will not only make amends but also strive to constantly demonstrate my sincerity through my actions going forward."
Carlos gets more specific, inquiring whether Erica is willing to apologize to Spice. This inquiry prompts a noticeable change in Erica's demeanor. Regarding the issue of apologizing to Spice, Erica's response is as follows:
"If she had genuinely been hurt by that remark, I would have apologized. However, let's revisit the day it occurred. She went live and spent three hours ranting, making false claims about me having various STDs and even bringing up Safaree multiple times."
Spice's fury increased even more following her fall, especially considering her recent surgery. Erica reveals that the chaos caused by Spice's live rants was significant enough for lawyers to approach her.
"Several lawyers reached out to me, offering their assistance in suing her for defamation. They were fully prepared to take legal action," Erica asserts. She accuses Spice of making derogatory remarks about her well-being and her abilities as a mother.
Erica mentioned that Spice was not upset or aware of the slur until the production team brought it to her attention. Erica expressed that if Spice had heard her say it and genuinely felt hurt, she would sincerely apologize and take responsibility.
Erica Mena Says ‘LHHATL’ Producers Used Her As A Scapegoat For Ratings
‘LHHATL’ Season 11 Producers Allegedly Chose Profit Over Integrity
Image via VH1
Spice's failure to mention the slur during her live rants on the day of the filmed fight raises doubts about whether she actually heard and was genuinely offended by the offensive remark made by Erica. This has left many questioning why the matter was not immediately addressed. When asked by Carlos if she felt she had been set up by production, Erica responded,
“It is evident that the production team often prioritizes ratings over considerations of potential backlash. There seems to be a lack of understanding that while controversial content may generate high viewership, it also leads to negative consequences, such as damage control and the loss of sponsorships."
Erica's remarks hold true for anyone who values morality and witnessed the fight and the use of a racial slur. It is clear that there were alternative methods to handle this situation, but the presence of the right individuals in decision-making roles was lacking, resulting in such disastrous consequences.
Erica believes that the post-production team bears an equal responsibility for the negative response, and there is some truth to her argument. Handling this situation properly would have involved addressing it immediately, suspending or terminating Erica, and initiating discussions on racism and colorism prior to the episode's release. This would have allowed for the filmed conversations to be shared right after the episode aired. Delaying Erica's termination and making a spectacle out of it only when faced with backlash is insincere. It demonstrates a lack of concern for the racial insult and its deeply hurtful implications, and instead focuses solely on reputation management. This entire incident underscores the importance of having diverse teams in post-production for reality TV, particularly in shows featuring predominantly Black cast members.
Love & Hip Hop airs on MTV. Past seasons can also be streamed on Paramount+.
Editor's P/S
Erica Mena's refusal to apologize for her racially charged remark towards Spice has sparked controversy and divided opinions among fans. While some support her stance, others believe she should take responsibility for her actions. Erica claims that Spice did not hear the slur during their altercation on "Love and Hip Hop Atlanta" and accuses the producers of prioritizing ratings over integrity. She also expresses remorse for the fight but maintains that Spice's past behavior and disrespectful comments warrant no apology.
The use of racial slurs is never acceptable, and Erica's attempt to justify her actions by claiming Spice did not hear the remark is disingenuous. Her unwillingness to apologize reflects a lack of remorse and understanding of the gravity of her words. Additionally, her allegations against the producers, while serious, do not absolve her of personal responsibility. As a public figure, Erica has a platform and should be held accountable for her words and actions.
