Crockett faces criticism for honoring Chris Brown at Arlington concert

Crockett has not campaigned with Senate nominee Talarico since primary loss

Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett honored R&B singer Chris Brown with a congressional record recognition at a concert in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, drawing public criticism. Crockett, appearing alongside Texas state Rep. Venton Jones, also recognized R&B singer Usher during the event.

A congressional record recognition is a ceremonial honor in which a member of Congress can enter a specific person or achievement into the official congressional record. In video from the concert, Crockett said: “We are experiencing Black joy at the highest level. And I wanted to make sure we document that at the congressional level. So let’s give it up again for Chris Brown.”

The honor drew immediate backlash online. Author Roxane Gay wrote on the social platform Threads: “What the hell is (Jasmine Crockett) thinking? This is such a bizarre and unacceptable misstep.” Gay later added: “She just flew on stage and gave a known abuser of Black women (multiple allegations past and recent) a congressional honor.” Gay noted that Crockett did not mention voting or endorse candidates during the appearance.

Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault against his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna. He also awaits sentencing in a UK case in which prosecutors alleged he struck a music producer over the head with a bottle; Brown pleaded guilty to a charge of “affray” in that matter.

The controversy comes amid an already difficult stretch for Crockett’s standing within the Texas Democratic Party. She lost the Democratic primary for US Senate in Texas earlier this year to James Talarico, a state representative now running against Republican Ken Paxton in a race considered a toss-up and a key target for national Democrats. Since her primary loss, Crockett has not campaigned with Talarico, with some observers online calling attention to her choice not to appear with the Democratic Senate nominee while instead appearing with Brown.

When asked recently by CNN’s Laura Coates whether she would campaign with Talarico, Crockett said she “will be campaigning down ballot.” She added that she wanted to make sure people in lower-profile races were not getting “overshadowed” by a focus just on the top of the ticket.

Others defended Crockett’s appearance at the concert. Some said her presence alongside Jones before thousands of attendees was an effort to use her platform to encourage voter turnout for down-ballot races.

Crockett did not respond to a request for comment.