The Divide · September 18, 2026
Rep. Jasmine Crockett faces backlash after entering Chris Brown tribute into the congressional record
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) entered a member statement into the congressional record honoring music artists Chris Brown and Usher Raymond at a Dallas concert appearance on Saturday. Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault for attacking his then-girlfriend Rihanna, and has faced additional allegations and legal proceedings involving violence since then. The member statement required no congressional vote and represents a form of recognition lawmakers can submit unilaterally.
How the coverage split
Fox News led with the political embarrassment angle, framing the tribute as a misuse of congressional authority by a lawmaker who 'recently lost her Senate bid,' and foregrounded the violent history immediately after the lede.
What both sides skipped
No response or statement from Crockett defending or explaining her decision is included in the coverage; it is unclear whether she was asked for comment or declined to address the backlash directly.
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