Chris Brown acknowledged backlash faced by U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett after she honored him and Usher Raymond during their concert at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on September 12, 2026. In an Instagram Story post, Brown thanked Crockett for the recognition and apologized for the criticism that followed her appearance.
“Thank you so much,” Brown wrote. “I apologize for any backlash you have to deal with for awarding for me. I’m not political but I move off of frequency and energy and I’m so grateful. ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU.”
Crockett and Texas state Rep. Venton Jones presented Brown and Usher with recognition in the Congressional Record for their contributions to music. Crockett framed the moment as a celebration of Black music and culture. The Congressional Record entry, titled “Recognizing the Artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond,” highlights the singers’ careers and influence on contemporary R&B and popular music. The recognition is ceremonial and does not represent a congressional vote or legislation.
The decision to recognize Brown drew criticism online, with detractors citing his legal history, including a 2009 guilty plea to felony assault and a recent U.K. affray charge from a 2023 nightclub incident. Jones appeared on The Don Lemon Show to address the backlash, apologizing to people who have experienced domestic violence and explaining that participation was connected to voter mobilization efforts.
Some defended the recognition as a celebration of Brown’s musical career, arguing his artistic contributions could be acknowledged separately from his legal issues. Brown continues touring with Usher and is awaiting sentencing in the U.K. on the affray charge.
Source: Billboard
