Chris Brown Mocks Texas Lawmaker Who Apologized for Honoring Him

R&B singer Chris Brown has publicly criticized Texas state representative Venton Jones for apologizing after honoring Brown at a concert. Jones, a Democrat, had presented Brown and fellow performer Usher with a congressional proclamation during a show at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Following backlash over honoring Brown, who has a history of legal issues including a 2009 conviction for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna, Jones issued an apology. In response, Brown addressed Jones via social media, stating, "Keep that award."

Brown accused Jones of insincere "tap dancing" and suggested the apology was politically motivated ahead of the upcoming elections. He also asserted that he did not seek the accolade, writing on Instagram Stories, "Funny thing is yall came to me with this! Not the other way around." He added, "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 s–t like this would happen."

Jones had previously stated he had been "reflective" after the intense scrutiny. He issued a letter apologizing to women, particularly Black women, whose trust he may have eroded. "In moments like these, I think it’s important to be specific and just as loud with an apology as our original actions were. I apologize," Jones wrote. He specifically extended apologies to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, acknowledging the impact of his decisions on them.

Jones explained his intent was to acknowledge Brown's R&B career before the November elections, where he faces Republican challenger Jordan Hoffnagle. He also discussed his apology with former CNN host Don Lemon, stating it was not his intention to "stoke the traumas" associated with the singer's past.

Despite his exchange with Jones, Brown expressed gratitude to Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who also participated in honoring the performers, and apologized for any backlash she might encounter. "I’m not political but I move off of frequency and energy and I’m so grateful. Once again, thank you," Brown posted online.

This incident highlights Brown's ongoing controversies. In July, he pleaded guilty to an affray charge for a 2023 nightclub attack where he hit a music producer with a bottle. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 26. Brown has faced other legal troubles, including a misdemeanor assault charge in 2013 and a brief questioning by French authorities in 2019 regarding a rape suspicion, from which he was released without charge.