Erica Mena Issues Heartfelt Apology to Nicki Minaj: Reveals Manipulation by Ex-Husband Safaree Samuels

Reality TV personality Erica Mena has stepped forward with a public apology to rap icon Nicki Minaj, admitting she was manipulated into speaking negatively about the artist by their mutual ex, Safaree Samuels. In a vulnerable and reflective conversation on the Dumb Blonde podcast, Mena opened up about the years of tension between her and Minaj, and how Safaree allegedly played a significant role in fostering her critical stance toward the Pink Friday 2 rapper.

This apology marks a turning point in Mena’s public image, as she acknowledged her mistakes and took accountability for allowing herself to be influenced by Safaree during their turbulent relationship. It also sheds light on the long-standing friction between Minaj and Safaree, who dated for over a decade before their highly publicized split.

“I Owe Her the Biggest Apology”

During her appearance on the podcast, Mena did not mince words about her past actions.

“I owe her the biggest apology,” Mena said, her voice tinged with regret. The 37-year-old admitted that she let Safaree’s negative remarks about Minaj shape her own perceptions and behaviors. “It’s funny how life comes full circle. Because the same thing he did to her, he’s doing to me years later.”

According to Mena, Safaree frequently badmouthed Minaj in her presence and went as far as showing her videos of the rapper “reacting” to various incidents. At the time, Mena said she didn’t question his motives. She later realized that Safaree may have been attempting to damage Minaj’s reputation while also trying to take credit for her success.

“I owe this woman an apology,” Mena repeated. “I sat here and allowed him to talk about her to me. From that came me saying things, defending him, and speaking about her in a tacky way. At the end of the day, I didn’t know the truth.”

Acknowledging the Truth About Safaree

In one of the podcast’s most revealing moments, Mena backed up much of what Nicki Minaj has said about Safaree in the past, particularly his alleged manipulation and opportunistic behavior.

“Everything she has ever said about him is true,” Mena admitted. This stark statement validated Minaj’s previous public accusations against her ex, including claims of dishonesty, betrayal, and self-serving behavior during their long-term relationship.

Mena’s realization comes after years of reflection and her own difficult experiences with Safaree, with whom she shares two children—a daughter and a son. The pair’s relationship, documented on Love & Hip Hop, has been fraught with public disputes and allegations of infidelity.

The Tumultuous Relationship Between Mena and Safaree

Mena’s relationship with Safaree has been anything but smooth. While their union initially seemed promising, it quickly devolved into public confrontations and personal heartbreak. In July 2024, Mena took to Instagram to express her deep regret about their relationship, writing:

“I will FOREVER be embarrassed I gave sis these incredible beautiful babies. He don’t even talk or care about his seeds this much online or in real life.”

Her Instagram post painted a grim picture of their co-parenting dynamic and highlighted her ongoing frustrations with Safaree’s priorities. Mena’s comments echoed many of the complaints Minaj has made about Safaree in the past, reinforcing the parallels between their experiences.

Years of Tension with Nicki Minaj

Erica Mena’s apology to Nicki Minaj is a stark departure from the animosity that has characterized their relationship over the years. Mena has previously been critical of Minaj, at times dismissing her music as “cartoony” and accusing her of imitating Lil’ Kim. These remarks, coupled with her alignment with Safaree, fueled a perception of rivalry between the two women.

The tension between Mena and Minaj was further exacerbated by Safaree’s role as a common thread in their lives. After dating Minaj for over a decade, Safaree transitioned into a relationship with Mena, seemingly bringing unresolved conflicts into his new romance. Mena now admits that her critical comments about Minaj were not based on her own experiences or opinions but were heavily influenced by Safaree’s narrative.

“At the end of the day, I didn’t know the truth,” Mena confessed. Her apology signals a shift in her perspective and an effort to distance herself from the negativity that once defined her public stance toward Minaj.

Nicki Minaj’s Subtle Response

While Nicki Minaj has not directly responded to Erica Mena’s apology, fans believe she alluded to the situation in a cryptic Instagram post. The rapper shared a message that read, “Sometimes you need to leave people dem alone,” accompanied by laughing emojis. The post, while vague, seemed to capture Minaj’s attitude toward the drama, suggesting that she has moved on from the conflict.

Minaj’s decision to remain relatively silent on the matter may reflect her desire to focus on her career and personal life rather than revisiting old grievances. As one of the most influential and successful artists in the music industry, Minaj has often chosen to address controversies on her own terms, leaving fans and media to interpret her actions.

Social Media Reacts to Mena’s Apology

The apology has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with fans and commentators weighing in on Mena’s revelations. Some have praised Mena for her honesty and willingness to take responsibility for her actions.

“Erica admitting she was wrong takes a lot of courage,” one fan tweeted. “Respect to her for owning up to it.”

Others, however, remain skeptical about the timing and sincerity of Mena’s apology. “Why is Erica apologizing NOW? Feels like damage control to me,” another user commented.

Nicki Minaj’s fanbase, known as the Barbz, has largely rallied behind their favorite artist, using Mena’s admission as further validation of Minaj’s past statements about Safaree.

“Nicki been telling y’all about Safaree. Glad people are finally seeing the truth,” one fan wrote.

A Step Toward Redemption?

Mena’s apology is a significant step toward accountability, but whether it leads to reconciliation with Minaj remains uncertain. The apology also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing personal relationships to shape public narratives. Mena’s willingness to reflect on her mistakes and share her story publicly may open the door for healing, both personally and professionally.

For Nicki Minaj, Mena’s admission may feel like vindication after years of dealing with criticism and false narratives surrounding her relationship with Safaree. However, whether she chooses to acknowledge the apology or leave it in the past remains to be seen.

Erica Mena’s public apology to Nicki Minaj marks a pivotal moment in the complicated web of relationships between Mena, Minaj, and Safaree Samuels. By taking accountability for her actions and shedding light on the manipulation she experienced, Mena has added a new layer of understanding to her past behavior.

As both women continue to navigate their respective careers and personal lives, Mena’s apology may serve as a reminder of the power of honesty and growth. Whether this chapter ends with reconciliation or remains a standalone moment of reflection, it’s clear that the drama surrounding Minaj, Mena, and Safaree has left an indelible mark on the public consciousness.