GettyErica Mena says she's sorry for calling her reality show costar a monkey -- but she insists there was no racism behind the insult.
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."
Play video content
NO LOVE LOSTShe 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."
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbnZZ5qopV9nfXN%2FjmlwaGliZLmwwsRmmKecXZ22sXnHqKdmnaKesKJ5zJ6lmmWRpbytu8aisZ5lnaS7rLHYZqqlraJisLC5zJ6lrWc%3D