Democratic US Representative Jasmine Crockett is under fire for honoring musician Chris Brown, a convicted abuser, with an official recognition at a Texas concert over the weekend.
Crockett awarded Brown and R&B musician Usher a congressional record recognition at a performance in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday. Appearing alongside Texas state representative Venton Jones, Crockett said she was there to “honor” Brown and Usher.
“We are experiencing Black joy at the highest level,” she said, according to video from the concert. “And I wanted to make sure we document that at the congressional level. So let’s give it up again for Chris Brown.”
The Controversy
A congressional record recognition is a ceremonial honor in which a member of Congress can enter a specific person or achievement into the official congressional record.
Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault against his then-girlfriend, music star Rihanna. He also awaits sentencing in a UK incident where prosecutors alleged he hit a music producer over the head with a bottle. Brown pleaded guilty to a charge of “affray” in that case.
The Political Context
Crockett lost the Democratic primary for US Senate in Texas earlier this year to James Talarico, a state representative now running against Republican Ken Paxton in a race considered a toss-up and a key target for Democrats.
Since her loss, Crockett has so far not campaigned with Talarico, with some people online calling attention to her choice not to campaign with the Democratic Senate nominee and instead appear with Brown.
Roxane Gay, the author, wrote on social media platform Threads: “What the hell is (Jasmine Crockett) thinking? This is such a bizarre and unacceptable misstep.” She later added that Crockett didn’t mention voting or endorse candidates in the appearance. “She just flew on stage and gave a known abuser of Black women (multiple allegations past and recent) a congressional honor,” Gay posted.
Crockett’s Response
Crockett has said she “will be campaigning down ballot” when asked by CNN’s Laura Coates whether she would be campaigning with Talarico, saying she wanted to make sure that people in lower-profile races weren’t getting “overshadowed” by a focus just on the top of the ticket.
Some defended Crockett, saying her appearing with Jones at the concert before thousands of people was using her platform to get voters to turn out for the down-ballot. Crockett did not respond to a request for comment.
The Bottom Line
Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing backlash after giving Chris Brown, a convicted abuser, a congressional record recognition at a concert in Arlington, Texas. The honor was ceremonial, but critics say it was a misstep given Brown’s history of violence against women. Crockett has not campaigned with Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico since losing the primary, and her appearance with Brown has raised questions about her political strategy.
