Source: Aaron J. Thornton / Getty
Newlyweds Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels are facing the heat after Erica revealed she’s against vaccinations for their soon- to-be baby girl.
In October, the couple confirmed they were expecting their first child together. Mena also has an 11-year-old son named King from a previous relationship.
While Safaree has not publicly spoken about vaccinations, it seems he stands in alignment with Erica.
One of Mena’s first critics was actually King, who voiced his concerns to his mom in a text exchange the Love & Hip Hop star shared with her followers. While she didn’t show the beginning of their conversation, King expressed that he loves his mom and respects her, but wants the best for his baby sister.
“Just admit you’re wrong and give up,” King wrote.
Erica took offense to his tone and responded back, “Don’t talk to your mother like this is disrespectful and not gonna be tolerated.”
“Oh I’m sorry for wanting my baby sister to live as healthy as possible,” King replied back. “While you’re convinced ignoring what’s right for her is fine? I’m sorry for possibly being disrespectful. But I’m only being that way because I’m passionate about this. I love you.”
“Look at you being a great big brother,” Erica wrote. I can’t wait for her to get here so you can defend her with all your might.”
“My son King is not letting up on the reasons why we should vaccinate the baby,” Mena captioned the text post on Instastories.
Erica and Safaree are not alone in their decision as the anti-vaccination sentiment continues to grow throughout America. Mena continued to advocate her case, posting several articles on Instastories against vaccinations and the dangers many believe come with taking part in the procedure. Among the anti-immunization movement, many believe the shots can be linked to autism and also tout conspiracy theories regarding an agenda to exterminate Black people from the gene pool. Other celebrities like Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carey have advocated against vaccine usage for over a decade.
While the choice is now being left up to parents who mainly express religious reasons against it, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the nation’s leading health protection agency, routinely suggests that parents adhere to the vaccination scheduled coordinated through a primary care physician or pediatrician.
