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.
Single source · Not corroborated
Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared on stage at a Chris Brown concert in Dallas on Saturday, where she announced she had entered a member statement into the congressional record recognizing "the artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond." Speaking to the crowd, she framed the gesture as a celebration of Black cultural contributions to R&B and pop music: "I know it's almost Sunday, so I wanna be clear. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. And right now, we are experiencing Black joy to the highest level, and I wanted to make sure we document that in the Congressional Record."
Brown's legal history drew immediate attention following news of the tribute. In 2009, he pleaded guilty to felony assault after attacking Rihanna; photographs of her injuries circulated widely at the time. He was involved in a 2013 altercation with singer Frank Ocean, resulting in a misdemeanor assault plea. A former girlfriend obtained a domestic violence restraining order against him in 2017. Most recently, according to Fox News, Brown pleaded guilty to charges of striking a producer twice in the head with a glass bottle in July 2023 and is awaiting sentencing on a separate charge of affray under English law.
Criticism came from commentators across the political spectrum. Investigative reporter Andrew Kerr of the Washington Free Beacon posted on X that Crockett had used "her congressional authority to honor Chris Brown, the rapper best known for beating" Rihanna. Democratic activist Shannon Watts cited Brown's guilty plea and a five-year restraining order obtained by another former girlfriend. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross described the move as "ridiculous" and "tone deaf," noting that Black women experience domestic violence at high rates. Eric Michael Garcia, D.C. bureau chief of the Independent, wrote that the decision to "platform and honor an abuser of women" was "completely vile."