Lawmakers honored Chris Brown’s music career, drawing criticism over his history of domestic violence
One lawmaker later apologized, prompting Brown to reject the recognition
The controversy highlights tensions around whether artists with misconduct records should be formally honored
Chris Brown is firing back after one of the Texas lawmakers who helped recognize him during his Dallas concert later apologized for participating in the honor.
Source: Josh Brasted / Johnny Nunez / Paul Morigi
The singer took to Instagram on Tuesday night to respond after Texas State Rep. Venton Jones appeared on journalist Don Lemon’s show and apologized to Black women and domestic violence survivors for helping present Brown with a state resolution recognizing his achievements in music and entertainment.
The drama began Saturday, Sept. 12, when Jones and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) joined Brown and Usher onstage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington during their concert. Crockett announced that the two R&B stars were being recognized in the Congressional Record for their contributions to music.
The Congressional Record entry, titled “Recognizing the Artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond,” highlights the singers’ careers and influence on contemporary R&B and popular music. The recognition is ceremonial and does not represent a congressional vote or legislation.
Jones also presented Brown with a separate Texas legislative recognition.
Crockett framed the moment as a celebration of Black music and culture, telling the crowd she wanted to formally document what she described as “Black joy.”
The appearance quickly drew criticism online, with many people questioning the decision to honor Brown given his history of domestic violence and other legal issues.
Brown pleaded guilty to felony assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. At the time, a photograph of Rihanna with visible injuries became widely publicized. Brown has also faced additional legal issues over the years, including a recent U.K. case stemming from a 2023 nightclub incident.
Crockett initially received the bulk of the public criticism, while Jones later addressed the controversy during his appearance on Lemon’s show.
“I want to offer an apology,” Jones said.
“I think this is a very important conversation around domestic violence and I want to offer my apology to Black women, to women and to anyone who has experienced domestic violence and really express that it was not my intention to stoke the traumas that go into that, as well as the background of this situation,” he continued.
Brown had initially thanked both lawmakers for the recognition.
On Monday, he shared a photo of himself embracing Crockett onstage to his Instagram Story and thanked her for the honor while acknowledging the backlash she was receiving.
“Thank you so much,” Brown wrote. “I apologize for any backlash you have to deal with for awarding for me.”
He added, “I’m not political but I move off of frequency and energy and I’m so grateful. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU.”
His attitude toward Jones changed after the state representative apologized publicly.
Responding to The Shade Room’s post about Jones’ apology, Brown wrote, “I don’t want the award anymore my brother. You went on with don lemon and started tap dancing. Yall keep that sh-t.”
Brown then doubled down on his criticism in a separate Instagram Story Tuesday night.
“Funny thing is…YALL CAME TO ME WITH THIS ! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND,” he wrote. “I was minding my damn business. My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some sh*t like this would happen and @ventonjonestx immediately started tap dancing and apologizing because he didn’t wanna lose voters and support.”
Brown went on to make his feelings about the situation clear.
“I have a great idea,” he continued. “How about yall leave me the f*ck alone and let me focus on the fans that spent their money to actually see and support me.”
The controversy comes as Brown continues his tour alongside Usher, with the Dallas stop becoming the backdrop for an unexpected political and cultural debate over whether the singer should have been formally recognized in the first place.
