An honor on stage

Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared at a Chris Brown show in Arlington on Sept. 12 and announced that Brown and Usher would have their names entered into the Congressional Record.

Her words that night

Crockett framed the recognition as documenting a cultural moment, then handed the stage back to Brown. He thanked the lawmakers on Instagram and posted a photo of her onstage.

“Right now, we are experiencing Black joy to the highest level, and I wanted to make sure we document that in the Congressional Record”

The criticism lands fast

Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross called it a ridiculous and tone deaf move. Author Roxane Gay called it a bizarre and unacceptable misstep.

“bizarre and unacceptable misstep”

No voters, no endorsement

Gay rejected the defense that the appearance was about turnout, pointing out that Crockett never mentioned voting or backed a candidate from the stage.

“She just flew on stage and gave a known abuser of Black women a congressional honor.”

Jones apologizes, Crockett doesn't

State Rep. Venton Jones apologized on Tuesday and named the people he hurt. Crockett has said nothing publicly about the presentation.

“I want to acknowledge the women, the Black women, whom my actions have hurt.”

Brown's record of violence

Brown was convicted of felony assault against Rihanna in 2009, charged with misdemeanor assault in 2013, and pleaded guilty in July to a 2023 London nightclub bottle attack.

Two careers on the line

Jones faces Republican Jordan Hoffnagle on Nov. 3. Crockett lost the Senate primary to James Talarico this year and has not campaigned with him since.