Jasmine Crockett Faces Backlash For Honoring Chris Brown As Fellow Democrat Apologizes

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A Texas Democrat is facing backlash after choosing to honor Chris Brown, of all people. The controversy stems from Brown’s history of violence. In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault after assaulting his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. While this incident was the most high-profile one, it’s definitely not the only one. Over the years, he has repeatedly faced legal troubles, many of which have stemmed from allegations or documented acts of violence.

So, when Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared on stage at a concert in Texas to honor both Brown and Usher, people were disgusted.

She was joined by Texas State Rep. Venton Jones at a Chris Brown and Usher concert in Texas.

“We are here because of Chris Brown,” Crockett said at the concert. “Right now, we are experiencing Black joy to the highest level, and I wanted to make sure we document that in the Congressional Record. Right here in Dallas, we got a real one.”

The controversial moment has gone viral and garnered a ton of criticism. People can’t understand what Crockett was thinking when she decided to honor Brown.

Author Roxane Gay reacted by calling the decision “such a bizarre and unacceptable misstep.” On Reddit, critics urged Crockett to “read the room” and accused her of “trashing her reputation.”

“It’s really disappointing to see her, someone who was very willing to try to hold alleged sexual predators accountable, do something like this,” one Redditor wrote.

“Awful decision on her part,” someone else commented. “… It’s sad that anyone, especially women, still support him by going to concerts or having the audacity to give him an award.”

Jones has since apologized.

“I have been listening and reflecting,” Jones said on social media in response to the backlash. “I see you and hear you. Please accept my remarks in response.”

In his official apology statement, he wrote, “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the women, the Black women, whom my actions have hurt. In moments like these, I think it’s important to be specific and just as loud with my apology as our original actions were. I apologize.”

He continued, “You are the backbone of our community, our families, and our democracy. Far too often, we continue to ask that you carry the heaviest burdens, lead our fights, and navigate spaces where your safety and lived realities are sidelined. My decision was another moment that perpetuated this.”

He also specifically apologized to “every survivor of domestic and sexual violence” for “the hurt, frustration, and pain my choices caused.”

Brown has addressed the controversy as well.

As people continued to discuss the controversy online, Brown took to his Instagram Stories to thank Crockett for the recognition. On Monday, September 14, he shared a photo of himself with Crockett. He also apologized for all of the backlash she had to deal with after she honored him.

“Thank you so much,” he wrote. “I apologize for any backlash you have to deal with for awarding for me. I’m not political but I move off of frequency and energy and I’m so grateful. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU.”

But by Tuesday, his tone had shifted. In another post shared to his Instagram Stories, he criticized Jones for apologizing and said the politicians shouldn’t have recognized him in the first place.

“Funny thing is… YALL CAME TO ME WITH THIS ! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND,” Brown wrote. “I was minding my own d— business. My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some s— like this would happen…”

He then tagged Jones in the post, accusing him of “tap dancing and apologizing because he didn’t wanna lose voters and support.”

He wrapped up the post with, “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.”

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Paige Sheffield (she/her)