Erica Mena Claps Back At Criticism Over "Black-Owned Business" Company Label

BY Erika Marie 6.7K Views
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Erica Mena, Black-owned Business, Clap Back, The Crowned Lady
The reality star clarifies her role in the business & puts an IG user in her place.

At this point, Erica Mena has developed a reputation as a person who doesn't take criticism laying down. The Love & Hip Hop New York star walks the fine line of ignoring the haters who incessantly take jabs online and clapping back whenever she feels disrespected. On Tuesday (March 16), Mena decided to address allegations that she used the term "Black-owned business" for a company called The Crowned Lady. Someone shared a series of DMs to the business's Instagram account where they demanded to know who the owner is.

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During the exchange, the person handling the business's account told the user they wouldn't give out the business's private information because they are a small company. The Instagram user accused them of lying about being a Black-owned business and brought up the reality star, but the company said Erica Mena is paid to promote them.

Yet, according to Erica, things aren't always what they seem. Another Instagram user posed a question that captured Mena's attention. "Y not just list as a Latino owned ? Was that not an option?" the woman asked. Mena replied, "Why not contact me directly since you so concerned, is being a gullible troll your option?"

In another comment, she clarified why the business in question is labeled Black-owned. "So we going after people for being investors and business advisers in my friends and families businesses !?" she commented. "Because wake up call I always go all put for mine. I don’t give a F what you bloggers and trolls got to say about. Half of you struggle because the internet is all you have." Swipe below to read through the DM exchange.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.