From Mother Jones · Arianna Coghill · · 1m 20s
Crockett's Chris Brown problem
A congresswoman who champions abuse survivors just handed Chris Brown a congressional honor onstage.
In brief
A congresswoman who champions abuse survivors just handed Chris Brown a congressional honor onstage. Principles that only show up when they win you applause were never principles. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Praising Epstein survivors
In May 2026, Rep. Jasmine Crockett told three Epstein survivors at a congressional hearing that their courage was contagious, and that they refused to back down.
“Your courage is contagious.”
Four months later, a stage
At Texas AT&T Stadium, Crockett joined Chris Brown onstage during his tour with Usher and awarded him recognition in the congressional record.
“We're experiencing Black joy to the highest degree.”
The record he carries
Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting Rihanna in 2009, striking, biting, and choking her. His legal history since is long enough to have its own Wikipedia page.
A pattern, not an incident
Karrueche Tran won a restraining order in 2017. A 2018 sexual assault suit settled in 2020. A 2024 documentary brought more accusers forward, including a rape allegation.
The industry keeps clapping
Keke Palmer attended his 2025 Breezy Bowl after interviewing Tran about the alleged assault. Lizzo, Ciara, and Kelly Rowland have all given him public praise.
Convenient outrage
Crockett built a career calling out Republican misogyny and Trump's misconduct. Denouncing an abuser is easy when the clip goes viral and costs you nothing.
“Apparently, it's easier to denounce abusers when it's politically advantageous.”
The essence
Principles that only show up when they win you applause were never principles.
