Sources connected to Hazel-E tell TMZ ... she got a letter delivered by FedEx on Saturday, informing her the show wasn't picking up an option on her contract. The letter was sent on Friday, October 20 -- that's 16 days AFTER producers say they decided to drop her.
The letter was sent one day after her homophobic comment -- saying all gays should burn in hell -- earned her swift Internet backlash. TMZ was told Hazel thinks the timing makes it obvious she was only cut due to the Instagram post.
TMZ contacted 'L&HH' producers about Hazel's letter, and they're standing by their initial statement -- they decided to can Hazel on Oct. 4. Point, blank, period.
TMZ's Hazel sources say she's wondering what took them so long to make it official? Bottom line -- she's pissed off about the firing. TMZ was told she's hired a lawyer and is strongly considering a lawsuit.
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