Erica Mena Apologizes for Calling Spice a Monkey

Over the weekend the ALL BLK network followed VH1 in firing Erica Mena for calling her Love and Hip Hop Atlanta cast-mate, Spice, a monkey [click here if you missed that].

Now Erica has issued an apology...

From TMZ

The ex-'Love & Hip Hop' star -- who was booted from the show for hurling the word -- tells TMZ ... "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."

She adds, "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."

Erica ends with this ... "That said, I do understand the gravity of what I said and want to use my platform to promote inclusivity and equality."

Worth noting, Erica identifies as an Afro-Latina -- with Dominican and Puerto Rican roots.