Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. Venton Jones are facing backlash for presenting Chris Brown with an honor at his Arlington concert.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Chris Brown responded to Dallas Rep. Venton Jones (D-Dallas) Tuesday after the lawmaker apologized for honoring the rapper and dancer at a recent Arlington concert.
When Brown and Usher stopped in Arlington this weekend, Jones and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) went on stage to present the two artists with a Congressional Record recognition. The move made headlines due to Brown’s history of domestic violence.
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In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting his former girlfriend, Rihanna.
In a statement on Tuesday, Jones apologized to those who were hurt by his actions. He said he went to present the honor as part of a plan to encourage the concert attendees to vote ahead of the consequential midterm election.
“To the constituents of House District 100 – each individual I have the privilege to serve – and every survivor of domestic and sexual violence, I extend my sincerest apology for the hurt, frustration, and pain my choices caused,” he said.
Rep. Crockett has yet to issue a statement.
In an Instagram story following Jones’ statement and appearance on CNN with Don Lemon, Brown responded, saying, “I ain’t ask to be honored”.
“Funny thing is… ya’ll came to me with this! Not the other way around,” Brown wrote. “My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t asked to be honored because I knew some s— like this would happen.”
Brown went on to tag Rep. Jones and accused him of “tap dancing” because he didn’t want to lose voters. In a previous Instagram story, Brown posted a picture hugging Crockett and apologized for any backlash she may receive for honoring him.