Jasmine Crockett Faces Backlash After Honoring Chris Brown and Usher With Congressional Recognition

ARLINGTON, Texas — U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett is facing criticism after honoring R&B stars Chris Brown and Usher with congressional recognition during their concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Crockett joined Texas State Rep. Venton Jones and Grammy-winning producer RoccStar onstage during the September 12 stop of Brown and Usher’s joint tour. The recognition included an entry in the Congressional Record titled “Recognizing the Artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond.”

The Congressional Record tribute recognizes the two performers for their careers and influence on contemporary R&B and popular music. Brown has won two Grammy Awards, while Usher has won eight.

During the presentation, Crockett told the crowd that the concert represented “Black joy” and said she wanted the moment documented in the Congressional Record. She also referred to Brown as a “real one” before embracing him onstage. Brown thanked Crockett and the audience following the presentation.

Usher was not onstage during that portion of the ceremony, although the congressional recognition honored both performers. Jones also presented Brown with a State of Texas legislative recognition for his impact on music.

The recognition quickly generated backlash, with much of the criticism focused specifically on the decision to honor Brown because of his criminal history involving violence.

In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault after attacking Rihanna, who was his girlfriend at the time. He was sentenced to five years of probation, community labor and domestic violence counseling.

Brown has faced other criminal cases and allegations in the years since. Most recently, he pleaded guilty in July to affray in connection with a 2023 altercation at a London nightclub. He is scheduled to be sentenced in that case in October.

Critics on social media questioned Crockett’s decision to use a congressional recognition to celebrate Brown despite that history. Some argued that the recognition conflicted with positions Crockett has taken publicly on accountability and issues affecting women. Others specifically objected to framing the recognition of Brown as a celebration of Black culture and “Black joy.”

The criticism has also reached Pulse Radio’s own readers. In comments responding to the story, readers questioned the decision to honor Brown and accused Crockett of hypocrisy.

Others have defended recognizing Brown’s musical accomplishments separately from his personal and legal history, while the Congressional Record entry itself focuses on the musical contributions of both Brown and Usher.

The recognition does not constitute legislation or an award approved by Congress as a whole. Individual members of Congress can enter tributes recognizing people, organizations and community achievements into the Congressional Record.

Crockett’s office has not offered a substantive public response addressing the criticism surrounding Brown. Reports published Monday said Crockett either declined additional comment or had not responded to requests for comment.

The controversy has sparked a broader debate over whether an artist’s professional achievements should receive formal government recognition when the artist also has a significant criminal and legal history.