Chris Brown has responded after Texas State Rep. Venton Jones apologized for participating in a legislative honor presented to the singer during his Dallas-area concert with Usher.
The recognition took place Sept. 12 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, during the duo’s R&B Tour. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Jones joined the artists onstage, with Brown and Usher receiving recognition connected to their musical contributions. Crockett also announced that the pair had been entered into the Congressional Record.
The presentation generated criticism because of Brown’s documented 2009 assault case involving Rihanna and his subsequent legal controversies. Jones later addressed the backlash during an appearance on The Don Lemon Show, where he apologized to Black women, women and survivors of domestic violence. He said the recognition was not intended to reopen trauma associated with domestic violence and acknowledged the concerns raised by members of the community.
Brown subsequently addressed Jones’ comments on Instagram. In a message directed at the Texas lawmaker, Brown said he did not want the award and criticized Jones for publicly apologizing after participating in the presentation. Brown also emphasized that he had not requested the recognition and said the lawmakers had approached him about it.
The singer also distinguished Jones’ response from his reaction to Crockett. Brown thanked Crockett for supporting the recognition and said he appreciated her involvement in honoring his musical career. Crockett has not publicly issued a further response to the controversy.
Jones separately released a statement acknowledging the reaction to the honor and saying he had listened to concerns from people affected by domestic and sexual violence. He reiterated that his intention had been connected to engaging voters ahead of the November elections, while acknowledging that the decision had caused hurt and frustration.
The controversy follows Brown and Usher’s ongoing R&B Tour, which brought the two singers together for a series of stadium performances. Brown is scheduled to continue the tour with upcoming dates later this year.
As of Sept. 17, Brown’s response and Jones’ apology remain at the center of the discussion surrounding the Texas recognition, while the Congressional Record acknowledgment involving Brown and Usher remains part of the public record.
