Texas reps face backlash after honoring Chris Brown
Two Texas representatives are drawing backlash this week after honoring R&B singer Chris Brown during a Dallas-area concert over the weekend. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. Venton Jones appeared on stage with Brown at a show co-headlined with Usher, where Crockett presented the singer with a Congressional Record recognition.
“Right now, we are experiencing Black joy to the highest level, and I wanted to make sure we document that in the Congressional Record,” Crockett said.
The recognition, a ceremonial document, drew criticism online in light of Brown’s criminal history of assault.
Jones issued an apology on social media following the backlash. His statement read in part, “I went with the intention of acknowledging the musical careers of two prominent R&B artists, Chris Brown and Usher Raymond, and to leverage the opportunity to reach thousands of everyday people, voters and non-voters, exactly where they are.”
Usher was born in Dallas, while Brown has no significant ties to the state.
Brown responded on his Instagram story after Jones’ statement was shared, writing in part: “Funny thing is… YALL COME TO ME WITH THIS ! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. I was minding my damn busines. My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some s, like this would happen and @ventonjonestx immediately started tap dancing because he didn’t wanna lose voters and support.”
Brown continued: “I have a great idea.. how about yall leave me the f, alone and let me focus on the fans that spent their money to actually see and support me.”
According to Billboard, Brown also posted a photo of himself with Crockett, captioning it with a message thanking her for the recognition and apologizing for any backlash she would face for awarding it.
