Chris Brown rejects Texas honor after lawmaker apology

Singer Chris Brown has rejected a Texas legislative honor following a public apology from State Representative Venton Jones. The controversy began during a concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where Jones and U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett joined Brown and Usher onstage to present ceremonial recognitions. Crockett entered Brown and Usher into the Congressional Record, while Jones presented Brown with a state legislative recognition.

The honors drew significant online backlash due to Brown’s history of domestic violence, including a 2009 felony assault conviction. In response to the criticism, Representative Jones appeared on ‘The Don Lemon Show’ to apologize to Black women and survivors of domestic violence, stating he did not intend to ‘stoke the traumas’ associated with the singer’s past.

Brown responded via Instagram, accusing Jones of ‘tap dancing’ to avoid losing voter support. Brown stated that he did not request the recognition and that the lawmakers had approached him. He concluded by rejecting the award and asking for privacy to focus on his fans.