Dallas, Texas – Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D‑Texas, who recently lost her bid for the U.S. Senate, sparked a heated debate on Saturday when she entered a member statement into the Congressional Record that praised music artist Chris Brown. The statement, which also mentioned Usher Raymond, was presented on stage at a public event in Dallas.
What the member statement said
Crockett told the audience, “I know it’s almost Sunday, so I want to 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.” She framed the tribute as a celebration of contemporary R&B that has resonated with the Black community.
Public reaction and criticism
The moment quickly drew criticism on social media. Washington Free Beacon reporter Andrew Kerr wrote, “Kamala Harris‑endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett uses her congressional authority to honor Chris Brown, the rapper best known for beating Rihanna in 2009.” Democratic activist Shannon Watts added, “Chris Brown pled guilty to felony assault after brutally attacking Rihanna. Another ex‑girlfriend obtained a restraining order after testifying that he abused and threatened her. This was tone‑deaf as hell.”
Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross called the tribute a “political miscalculation,” noting that Black women suffer domestic violence at the highest rates and that honoring an abuser was “ridiculous” and “tone‑deaf.” Independent’s D.C. bureau chief Eric Michael Garcia echoed the sentiment, calling the act “absolutely disgusting” and “completely vile.” New York Times bestselling author Dan Winslow also expressed disappointment, saying he would no longer support Crockett.
Chris Brown’s legal history
Brown’s record includes a 2009 felony assault conviction for the attack on Rihanna, a 2013 misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an altercation with Frank Ocean, and a 2017 domestic‑violence restraining order filed by another former partner. Most recently, in July 2023, he pleaded guilty to striking producer Abe Diaw with a glass tequila bottle, and he faces a separate affray charge in England.
Response from the artist
Brown posted on Instagram, asking fans to leave him alone and stating, “My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t asked to be honored because I knew some sh‑t like this would happen…” He expressed frustration at the controversy surrounding his name.
Political context
Crockett’s decision comes as she prepares to leave the U.S. House of Representatives at the start of the next Congress, having lost the Senate race to James Talarico. The episode underscores the challenges elected officials face when balancing cultural recognition with sensitivity to victims of violence.
What’s next
While the member statement is now part of the official record, there is no indication that any formal action will be taken against Crockett. The episode, however, has reignited discussion about how public officials should use their platforms, especially when honoring figures with documented histories of abuse.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
