Chris Brown thanks Jasmine Crockett after Texas honour draws backlash
Chris Brown has thanked U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett for honouring him on stage in Texas and apologised for any backlash she faced for doing so.
In a message shared on his Instagram Story, alongside a photo of the pair embracing, Brown said he is "not political" and appreciated the recognition, according to Billboard.
Crockett appeared on stage at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on 12 September during a concert featuring Brown and Usher. She told the audience that both singers had been recognised in the Congressional Record, the official written record of U.S. Congress proceedings, for their contributions to music.
The entry is titled "Recognizing the Artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond." The recognition is ceremonial. It does not represent a vote by Congress or new legislation.
Texas state Rep. Venton Jones joined Crockett for the onstage presentation. He gave Brown a separate legislative recognition from the state.
The honour drew criticism. Crockett, a Democrat representing Texas, faced a backlash after honouring Brown during the show, according to FOX 4 News.
Critics pointed to Brown's past convictions. He pleaded guilty to felony assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009. He is also awaiting sentencing in the U.K. after pleading guilty to an affray charge, an English law offence covering violent disorder in public, linked to a 2023 nightclub incident.
Jones later addressed the criticism in an appearance on The Don Lemon Show. He apologised to people who have experienced domestic violence for taking part in the recognition.
