A Texas political honor is being handed back after the lawmaker who presented it apologized to Black women and domestic violence survivors. Chris Brown says he no longer wants the recognition from State Rep. Venton Jones, accusing him of retreating once the backlash became politically uncomfortable.
“I don’t want the award anymore my brother,” Brown wrote on Instagram, according to TMZ. “You went on with don lemon and started tap dancing. Yall keep that sh*t.”
Jones appeared on The Don Lemon Show Tuesday after he and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett faced criticism for attending Brown and Usher’s Sept. 12 concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Crockett entered the artists into the Congressional Record for their contributions to music, while Jones presented Brown with a separate State of Texas legislative recognition.
During his interview with Lemon, Jones apologized specifically to Black women and people who have experienced domestic violence. He said honoring Brown was not intended to bring up trauma connected to the singer’s history, but acknowledged that his participation had hurt people. In a separate written statement, Jones said his decision had contributed to Black women’s safety and lived experiences being sidelined.
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Chris Brown Says He Never Asked To Be Honored
Brown took issue with Jones distancing himself from the presentation after the backlash arrived. He said the lawmakers approached him with the recognition, not the other way around, and argued that Jones apologized because he was worried about losing political support.
“I was minding my damn business,” Brown wrote. “My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some sh*t like this would happen.” He ended by asking politicians and critics to leave him alone so he could focus on the fans supporting his tour.
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The response was considerably different from the message Brown sent Crockett one day earlier. He thanked the congresswoman and apologized for the backlash she was receiving, saying he was grateful for the recognition. Crockett has not issued a similar public apology for participating in the ceremony.
Criticism of the honor has centered on Brown’s history of violence against women. He pleaded guilty to felony assault after attacking Rihanna in 2009. Several women have made other allegations against him over the years, some of which resulted in civil litigation or restraining-order proceedings. Those allegations have had different legal outcomes and should not be treated as proven collectively.
Jones said he and Crockett were originally brought into the event in connection with voter outreach ahead of the November election. He told Lemon that the lawmakers intended to use the concert audience to encourage political participation, though the awards became part of the appearance that drew national attention. Meanwhile, Brown has not said whether he plans to physically return the State of Texas recognition or was simply rejecting it publicly. His Congressional Record entry, which came through Crockett rather than Jones, also remains in place.
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