U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett has drawn criticism for honoring the musician Chris Brown during a joint concert with Usher at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
Crockett, who represents Texas's 30th congressional district, presented Brown with a Congressional Record recognition, stating, "Right now, we are experiencing Black joy to the highest level, and I wanted to make sure we wanted to document that in the Congressional record." Texas State Rep. Venton Jones also joined Crockett on stage, presenting Brown with a State of Texas legislative recognition. Jones wrote on Instagram that they recognized Brown for his "lasting impact on music."
The decision to honor Brown, who pleaded guilty to felony assault against his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009, has sparked backlash on social media. Critics have called the move "ridiculous," "tone deaf," and "absolutely disgusting."
Democratic Strategist Ameshia Cross commented on X, formerly Twitter, that the action was "tone deaf as hell," particularly given that Black women experience domestic violence at high rates. Eric Michael Garcia, Washington D.C. Bureau Chief for The Independent, described the honor as "completely vile."
In July, Brown also pleaded guilty to affray for an attack on a music producer at a London nightclub in 2023. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 26.
Some social media users also questioned the timing of Crockett's appearance with Brown, noting that she had not yet campaigned with Rep. James Talarico, who defeated her in the Texas Senate Democratic Primary last March.