MTV has set a new Love & Hip Hop Atlanta anti-racism special for air after firing star Erica Mena after her controversial confrontation with Spice.
“This roundtable discusses the recent events that aired on the show before MTV decided to stop filming with Erica Mena,” the network said in a post on Twitter (X) announcing the new special. “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.”
MTV fires Erica Mena
As previously reported on TVDeets.com, MTV fired Erica Mena from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta after she used a racial slur in an argument with her co-star, Spice.
“The Love & Hip Hop franchise has never shied away from hard conversations in our community,” MTV said in a statement at the time. “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.”
In a scene on the Tuesday, August 26 episode of LHHATL, Erica Mena sat down with Spice to hash out their season-long issues. While both women were trading insults towards each other, Erica physically assaulted Spice by flipping a table on her and was shown throwing multiple insults towards her co-star, including calling her a “blue monkey.”
Erica, for her part, is denying there was any racism behind her comments.
“I deeply regret my insensitive comment and want to humbly apologize to anybody I hurt or offended by my thoughtlessness,” she said in an official statement after being fired. “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.”
While many viewers consider her comments towards Spice racist—and VH1 certainly did as she was let go pretty quickly from the series once the backlash started—Erica denies her use of the term “blue monkey” was in any way racist.
“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 said. “That said, I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality.”
The Love & Hip Hop Atlanta season 11 finale airs tonight at 8|7c on MTV and will be immediately followed by Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Racism, Colorism, and the Uncomfortable Truth at 9|8c.
