Key facts
- US Representative Jasmine Crockett honored musician Chris Brown and Usher at a concert in Arlington, Texas.
- Brown has a history of abuse allegations, including a 2009 felony assault conviction.
- Author Roxane Gay criticized Crockett's decision to honor Brown, calling it a "bizarre and unacceptable misstep."
- Crockett stated her intention to campaign for down-ballot races.
Democratic US Representative Jasmine Crockett is facing backlash for presenting a congressional record recognition to musician Chris Brown, who has a documented history of abuse allegations, at a concert in Arlington, Texas, over the weekend. Appearing with Texas state representative Venton Jones, Crockett stated she was there to "honor" Brown and Usher, describing the moment as "Black joy at the highest level" and aiming to "document that at the congressional level."
Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault against his then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009 and is awaiting sentencing in the UK for an incident where he allegedly hit a music producer with a bottle, for which he pleaded guilty to "affray."
Author Roxane Gay publicly questioned Crockett's decision on social media, calling it a "bizarre and unacceptable misstep" and highlighting Brown's "multiple allegations past and recent" against Black women. Gay noted that Crockett did not mention voting or endorse candidates during her appearance.
Crockett, who lost the Democratic primary for US Senate in Texas earlier this year, has faced scrutiny for not actively campaigning with the Democratic Senate nominee, James Talarico. Some have suggested her appearance with Brown was an effort to use her platform to encourage voter turnout for lower-profile races.