‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta’ Cast To Have A Roundtable Discussion About Racism And Colorism Following Erica Mena’s ‘Monkey’ Comment Toward Spice

Love & Hip Hop announced the Atlanta cast will engage in a roundtable discussion about racism and colorism on Tuesday, Sept. 26, following Erica Mena’s “monkey” insult.

LHH took to X to post the announcement, stating the discussion would follow the season finale on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 9 p.m.

“The conversation continues with Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth.”

“This roundtable discusses the recent events that aired on the show before MTV decided to stop filming with Erica Mena,” the announcement continued. “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.”

https://twitter.com/loveandhiphop/status/1706669909827334547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener

The serious roundtable discussion came after Mena and Spice got into a heated debate on the Aug. 29 episode, Sis2Sis reported. Mena, jealous of her ex-husband Safaree’s devastation over Spice’s near-death experience years ago, tried to compare to Spice, stating she almost died during childbirth. However, Safaree didn’t react the way he did with Spice.

The dancehall queen didn’t like Mena comparing them, and things escalated when children were brought into the mix, requiring the show’s security to separate them. As Mena was brought outside, the two argued through a window, where Erica repeatedly called Spice a “monkey.”

“You monkey, you f**king blue monkey!”

She also claimed Spice should’ve died.

The situation divided the internet because some felt Spice shouldn’t have brought up Mena’s son. However, Spice showed proof that other cast members had mentioned Mena’s children in a heated exchange but didn’t react as she did with her.

On Sept. 12, Mena released an apology for her words.

“I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humble apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness,” Mena wrote. “My choice of words was wrong, and I take full responsibility for what I said. 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. That said, I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality.” 

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