Mercedes Moné Defends $99.99 Price Tag for Monthly Texting Service: “It’s Very Low”

Mercedes Moné isn’t backing down from the backlash over her $99.99-per-month private texting service — she’s doubling down.

After catching heavy criticism online for launching the subscription-based messaging platform, the CEO of AEW addressed the controversy directly while speaking to Nick Cannon on the February 16, 2026 episode of We Playin’ Spades. Instead of apologizing or walking it back, Moné defended both the concept and the price tag, saying the service was designed to combat scams and give fans legitimate access to her. She explained:

“I’m a CEO because there are so many people who say, ‘Oh, I’m talking to you, I’m messaging you,’ and they’re getting scammed. So I’m like, how about you really do talk to me? You talk to the person you love, but you’ve got to pay me a month. I’ll text you whenever I’m free.”

Moné made it clear that the subscription isn’t about anything inappropriate — just direct communication with what she calls her core supporters. She also pushed back on claims that the price is too much, claiming that the price is actually very low considering the service.

“People are paying me a month to text me. No sexy stuff. These are just my legit fans. It’s the Moné crew—the people that love me, respect me, and want to know about the ins and outs of my day, how I’m feeling, what it’s like being a CEO. And I teach them. I’m a CEO for a reason. Isn’t that great? A low price. Brilliant idea. It’s very low.”

This comes after many people wondered whether the service would truly be personal and others accused it of being a money grab. Moné, however, says it’s a controlled, premium experience for what she calls her most loyal supporters. Whether fans see it as smart business or too expensive for a monthly text subscription, Moné has made one thing clear — she believes the price reflects value.

Do you think Mercedes Moné’s $99.99 texting service is a smart business move, or does the price tag feel out of touch? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.