On the same day Chris Brown expressed gratitude for his congressional recognition, the man who signed it issued an apology. Texas State Rep. Venton Jones released a statement following days of fiery backlash over the honor, particularly against Jasmine Crockett. The U.S. rep joined Venton on stage in Arlington, Texas, to present Chris and Usher with the recognition. Tuesday, Breezy thanked Crockett and Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, while Venton Jones apologized to his constituents, including women and survivors of abuse, for any harm the recognition may have caused.
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The Texas State Rep. spoke out on social media about his participation in honoring Chris Brown and Usher. On Instagram, it appears Venton shared his written statement nearly 12 hours after Breezy boasted about the recognition on Instagram. The singer showed a close-up of the plaque presented to him by Jasmine Crockett and Jones, which he also signed. “This means so much to me,” Chris Brown said in his caption.
On that Arlington stage, Venton appeared to be all smiles as Jasmine thanked the R&B singers for their contributions to music and culture. But in his statement on Tuesday, Jones appeared to carry a serious tone. He admitted to spending the last few days taking in conversations, concerns and feedback about the recognition for Brown specifically. As we’ve previously reported, the honor sparked a deep divide online, landing Crockett especially in the hot seat over Breezy’s history of violent behavior.
“…I want to acknowledge the women, the Black women, whom my actions have hurt. In moments like these, I think it’s important to be specific and just as loud with an apology as our original actions were. I apologize,” Venton Jones wrote. Adding, “You are the backbone of our community, our families and our democracy. Far too often, we continue to ask that you carry the heaviest burdens, lead our fights and navigate spaces where your safety and your lived realities are sidelined. My decision was another moment that perpetuated this.”…