Erica Mena is sharing her reaction after ‘Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’ announced a roundtable discussion following its season finale. The conversation will focus on racism and colorism. As The Shade Room previously reported, Mena received backlash after referring to fellow castmate Spice as a “blue monkey” during an episode that premiered in August.
Afterward, the series announced that the mother of three would no longer “appear” in the show’s “next season.” Since then, Mena has apologized for her comment.
RELATED: Erica Mena Reportedly Apologizes For ‘Monkey’ Comment Made Toward Spice: ‘My Use Of That Word Was Not… Racially Driven’
‘Love And Hip Hop’ Shared The Update With Viewers On Tuesday
The show’s official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared the announcement with fans Tuesday morning. In the post, the series announced that there would be a ’roundtable” discussion on racism and colorism after the show’s finale on Sept. 26 at 9 p.m.
The announcement included the names of the cast members and external experts who would appear for the discussion.
Additionally, the announcement seems to suggest that the MTV network made the executive decision for the show to cut ties with Erica Mena.
“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.”
Check out the show’s full announcement below!
Erica Mena Responds To The Reality Show’s Announcement
Hours after the show’s announcement was shared, Mena took to her Instagram Story to seemingly respond to the reality series’s decision. Mena shared a video of her working on the show set in August. Additionally, she alleged that the video was taken three days before her controversial scene with Spice premiered on August 29.
Furthermore, Mena alleged that she was even asked to shoot additional scenes the day before the episode’s premiere.
Shortly after, the mother of three took to Instagram to further share her thoughts on the show’s decision to air a roundtable discussion regarding racism and colorism.
Mena alleged that the show allowed her to film “nonstop for seven months” after the initial incident between her and Spice. Additionally, the mother of three added that ‘LHHATL’ edited the footage of her and Spice’s interaction “how they wanted and aired it.”
The reality star accused the series of being “desperate,” “trying to save face,” and “using her to do so.” Furthermore, Mena added that the show and MTV network allegedly found no fault with her comments toward Spice. However, when the series began to “backlash,” it was then that they decided to part ways with her.
“Not because they truly believed what I said was a racial slur,” Mena continued.
Mena went on to add that the show is now “making a mockery of the situation” by using castmates for the roundtable discussion who have “said things just as bad.” Additionally, she added that the discussion should have included both her and Spice.
Before concluding, the mother of three added that the franchise “has always depicted us as zoo animals anyway.”
Social Media Users Chime In
Social media users quickly entered The Shade Room’s comment section to weigh in. Some agreed with Mena’s stance.
Instagram user @kim__impossiblee__ wrote
“She’s right and shouldn’t have been fired to begin with 🤷🏽♀️”
Instagram user @annella_online added.
“To be fair here … her being put out the conversation is the PROBLEM to begin with. Give her the opportunity to learn, understand and grow from this moment. Just my opinion”
Instagram user @soofancy added.
“I support Erica !! I don’t think she was racist and I agree with her !! It wasn’t an issue when it happened nor was it an issue when she continued to film after that nor was it an issue when it was edited and the scene was approved !!! In todays times .. everyone is so sensitive and wants to be down with the cancel culture.. instead of really getting down to the problem and rectifying it. But what’s reality tv with out drama .. because here we are still talking about it umteen months later !!”
However, others appeared to disagree.
Instagram user @meresankhj wrote.
“Ericka the point is that you said it and even if they didn’t address it then that doesn’t negate that what you said was offensive. You still have to be held accountable for it. Rather it was at the moment or months later.”
Instagram user @miikpeel added.
“Girl save it! You got the boot nobody cares it’s above us 😭✌🏾”
Instagram user @kianacalder_ wrote.
“Again…no accountability!”
Roomies, what do you think of Erica Mena’s stance?