“Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta” star Erica Mena paid tribute to her ex-boyfriend Cliff Dixon who was shot and killed on Thursday.
Mena and Dixon ended their relationship on shaky grounds and were at odds earlier this year after the former Western Kentucky University student accused Mena and her fiancé Safaree Samuels of “stealing” his possessions. Although the pair appeared to not be on good terms before his death, the 31-year-old model still sent her condolences to Dixon and his family.
Cliff Dixon and Erica Mena attend the Labor Day Weekend Celebration at Compound on September 2, 2018, in Atlanta. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
“We all deal with so much , you dealt with a lot,” Mena wrote on her Instagram Story March 21, along with a childhood photo of Dixon. “I’m so sorry this happened, you didn’t deserve this rest in forever peace.”
She continued, “Watch over your blood sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and your mommy. I know they are so broken right now.”
@iamericamena
She added in a separate post, “Nothing is promise, Appreciate life.”
The reality star’s words of solace toward the victim prompted mixed reactions from fans. Some commended her for speaking out on his death despite the two of them being on bad terms, while others blasted her as crying crocodile tears.
“I’m just glad Erica spoke with out saying something mean, RIP Clifford 😢
.”
“She feels guilty cuz she painted him out terrible on the internet called him a bum and all types of negative things now she wanna grieve ! Smh.”
“They ended on bad terms called him out on social media didn’t want to give his things back ! She moved on 2.5 second got engaged n now she morning than talking bout love me while I’m alive girlll bye the shade n guilt is real 😞🤦🏽.”
“I know Erica hurt 😞 prayers up ❤️ and ya’ll are the worst for blaming her for his death smh.”
Mena’s condolences to Dixon comes hours after Dixon’s death was first announced via social media. He was killed in a shooting outside of SL Lounge on Buford Highway in the Atlanta suburb of Chamblee, where he had gone to celebrate his 32nd birthday. Local police say Dixon had just arrived at the location and was standing in the parking when he was shot multiple times by a gunman who fled on foot. No arrests in the shooting have been announced as of March 22.
Several celebrities, friends and family members have paid tribute to the 32-year-old including the family of Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant, who considered Dixon his adoptive brother.
“The Durant family extends our deepest condolences & prayers to Cliff’s mother, siblings, family & friends,” Wanda Durant, Kevin’s mother, posted on Twitter on Thursday. “Our family was an extension of his & we shared wonderful memories. His transition is an incredible loss for all of us who loved him, he will be missed dearly.”
@wandadurant Twitter