Additional Coverage:
- Jasmine Crockett torched for honoring singer with notorious history of violence: ‘Completely vile’ (foxnews.com)
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has come under fire after she honored singer Chris Brown by entering a statement recognizing him into the congressional record during a public event last weekend. Crockett, who recently lost her Senate primary race, took the stage alongside Brown and praised him, prompting strong criticism online.
“Now, y’all know, I tend to get in trouble every once in a while. I’m a make this real quick.
I need to know who run it! So is Dallas in the building?”
Crockett said before calling on the crowd to applaud Brown.
The tribute sparked backlash due to Brown’s well-documented history of domestic violence. In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault after physically attacking then-girlfriend Rihanna, an incident widely condemned across the entertainment world.
Subsequent allegations have surfaced over the years, including a 2013 misdemeanor assault plea related to an altercation with singer Frank Ocean, and a 2017 domestic violence restraining order filed by another ex-girlfriend. Most recently, Brown admitted guilt in a July 2023 case involving assault with a glass bottle and is awaiting sentencing on a separate affray charge.
Journalists and political commentators were quick to highlight these incidents following Crockett’s public recognition. Andrew Kerr of the Washington Free Beacon remarked that Crockett, endorsed by Vice President Kamala Harris, used her congressional platform to honor a man “best known for beating ever-living s— out of Rihanna.” Democratic activist Shannon Watts similarly pointed to Brown’s history of violence and abuse.
Crockett’s statement in the congressional record acknowledged the “artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond,” framing it as a celebration of their impact on contemporary R&B and Black culture. She described the moment as an expression of “Black joy,” saying, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
However, political strategist Ameshia Cross called the move a “ridiculous” and “tone-deaf” misstep, especially given the prevalence of domestic violence affecting Black women. Eric Michael Garcia, D.C. bureau chief of the Independent, described the tribute as “absolutely disgusting” and “vile.” Author Dan Winslow expressed his disapproval, saying he would no longer support Crockett after the incident.
Chris Brown himself responded on Instagram, asking to be left alone and expressing frustration that Crockett’s tribute had drawn unwanted attention. “Funny thing is…
YALL CAME TO ME WITH THIS! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND,” he wrote.
“I ain’t asked to be honored because I knew some sh-t like this would happen.”
Crockett, who did not seek re-election to the House in order to run for Senate, lost her primary bid to James Talarico, the Democratic nominee. She will not return to Congress next term. The controversy adds a contentious note to the final weeks of her congressional career.