R&B superstar Chris Brown says he never asked to be honored and accused Texas State Rep. Venton Jones of backing away from a recognition after criticism erupted over Brown’s past.
Brown’s pushing back comes after the Texas lawmaker apologized for participating in an official recognition of the singer, turning what began as a celebratory moment at a sold-out concert into a public dispute over celebrity, accountability and political office.
Brown and Usher were recognized during their Sept. 12 concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Texas State Rep. Venton Jones appeared onstage as part of the presentation. Crockett announced a Congressional Record recognition of the artists, while Jones presented a State of Texas legislative recognition celebrating their contributions to music and entertainment.
The recognition of Brown quickly drew criticism because of his history of legal controversies involving violence. Most notably, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault in 2009 after assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Critics questioned whether an elected official should use the symbolism of public office to honor the singer despite that history.
In a Sept. 15 statement, the Dallas state representative said he had listened to concerns following the presentation and specifically acknowledged women and Black women who were hurt by his decision.
“I apologize,” Jones wrote, adding that his decision had contributed to circumstances in which women’s “safety and lived realities are sidelined.” The statement shown in Jones’ social-media post also says that his intention had been to acknowledge the musical careers of Brown and Usher and use the event as an opportunity to reach voters ahead of the November midterm elections.
Jones made similar remarks during an interview with Don Lemon, saying the recognition was not intended to revive trauma surrounding domestic violence and offering an apology to Black women, women generally and survivors of domestic violence.
Brown: “Y’all came to me with this”
Brown did not welcome Jones’ reversal.
Responding publicly, the singer said he no longer wanted the state recognition. Brown wrote in response to Jones’ apology: “You can keep that award,” before accusing the lawmaker in another Instagram post of “tap dancing” after appearing with Lemon.
Brown expanded on his frustration in the Instagram Story shown above.
“YALL CAME TO ME WITH THIS! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND,” Brown wrote, arguing that his Dallas-area shows were already sold out and that he had never requested the honor.
He accused Jones of apologizing because the representative “didn’t wanna lose voters and support,” before telling political figures to leave him alone and allow him to concentrate on the fans who paid to see him perform.
Brown also commented directly on Jones’ Instagram post containing the apology, writing, “Keep that award,” according to the screenshot provided.
Brown’s reaction represents a sharp change from his initial response. Following the concert, he publicly thanked both Crockett and Jones for recognizing him.
Crockett also faces criticism
The controversy has not been limited to Jones.
Crockett has faced substantial criticism for her role in recognizing Brown. During the Arlington appearance, she described the concert as a celebration of “Black joy” and said she wanted Brown and Usher’s cultural contributions documented at the congressional level.
The criticism has centered particularly on the distinction between appreciating Brown’s music and granting him recognition associated with elected office. Some critics argue that such an honor minimizes the seriousness of his history involving violence against women; supporters and Brown’s fans have instead emphasized his two-decade musical career and cultural influence.
Brown initially took a notably different tone toward Crockett. He thanked her and apologized for the backlash she was receiving, saying that he was not political and was grateful for the recognition.
