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Controversy over Congressional Record recognition of Chris e

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2026-09-17 03:33 UTC → 2026-09-18 12:32 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Outgoing Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett and State Representative Venton Jones faced criticism after presenting R&B artists Chris Brown and Usher with a Congressional Record ~~recognition~~ and state legislative recognitions during a tour stop in Arlington, Texas. Crockett described the event as experiencing ‘Black joy at the highest level,’ intending to document the artists' cultural impact. The decision to honor Brown drew intense backlash due to his history of legal issues, specifically his 2009 guilty plea for felony assault. Critics argued the recognition platformed an individual with a history of violence against women. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross described the move as ‘ridiculous,’ arguing that using a Congressional role to uplift a known abuser is ‘disgusting,’ while writer Roxane Gay labeled the incident a ‘bizarre and unacceptable misstep.’ In response to the controversy, Chris Brown stated on Instagram that he did not request the honor, remarking, ‘I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some sh-t like this would happen.’ ~~Texas State~~ He later accused Jones of ‘tap dancing’ to avoid losing political support and officially rejected the award, stating, ‘I don’t want the award anymore.’ Representative Venton Jones issued an apology to Black women and domestic violence survivors, ~~acknowledging~~ appearing on ‘The Don Lemon Show’ to acknowledge that the ceremony may have caused trauma and stating it was not his intention to ‘stoke the traumas’ associated with Brown’s past. Brown subsequently rejected the recognition, accusing Jones of ‘tap dancing’ to avoid losing political support. Reaffirming that the lawmakers had approached him rather than the other way around, Brown expressed a desire to focus on his fans and his tour, telling officials, ‘I don’t want Crockett has not publicly addressed the ~~award anymore.’~~ incident.

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