Rep. Crockett praising Chris Brown shows lack of awareness, accountability
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Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who recently lost her Senate primary bid, is facing rightful backlash after honoring singer Chris Brown at his Sept. 12 concert. Crockett’s responsibilities as a lawmaker paired with Brown’s documented history of domestic violence makes this decision deeply troubling.
To honor Brown and his tourmate Usher’s “artistry,” Crockett and fellow Texas Rep. Venton Jones entered their achievements into the Congressional Record. Members of Congress do this to recognize constituents, historical events and achievements they believe have made meaningful contributions to the country.
Crockett described this gesture as a celebration of “Black joy” to recognize Brown and Usher’s cultural influence. Brown’s fame doesn’t make his past actions any less serious, raising serious concern about the nod from Crockett.
In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault after punching, choking and biting singer and businesswoman Rihanna, his then-girlfriend.
A judge granted Brown’s ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran, a five-year restraining order in 2017 after Tran shared threatening messages he had left her. Brown also allegedly punched her in the stomach and pushed her down the stairs.
In July, Brown pleaded guilty to a charge of affray for prior involvement in a violent altercation at a nightclub, where he struck a music producer over the head with a bottle. These are only a few instances in a long history of controversy.
Crockett isn’t just a celebrity fan with a following, but a representative with real power. So when she uses the Congressional Record to applaud someone, it raises a question about the standards by which public officials decide who the government should honor.
During a field hearing in January, Crockett likened President Donald Trump to a domestic abuser and encouraged Americans to fight back against his authoritarian impulses.
“Y’all, we are living with an abuser right now,” Crockett said. “That is who Trump and his administration is frankly. But if you know anything about a domestic abuser, the one thing about them that you need to know is that they are some of the biggest cowards that you will ever find. What they can’t stand is when you actually fight back.”
Crockett herself used the term “domestic abuser” to criticize Trump, making her decision to hug and commend a domestic abuser on stage because of his “extraordinary accomplishments” even more difficult to reconcile.
Crockett’s decision to honor Brown is also a huge liability for the Democratic Party, considering it has drawn criticism from its most reliable voting bloc: Black women.
This responsibility goes beyond voting on bills and legislation — it also includes exercising judgment about who and what they choose to elevate with the prestige of their position.Navya Varma, Columnist
Over 40% of Black women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, while 41.2% of Black women have already experienced physical abuse, according to Our Sisters’ House, a group supporting domestic violence and sexual assault survivors
Roxane Gay, a New York Times best-selling author, was among many who spoke out against Crockett.
“Rep. Crockett didn’t mention voting or endorse any candidates,” Gay said. “She just flew on stage and gave a known abuser of Black women a congressional honor.”
While Crockett hasn’t released a statement, Jones issued an apology. In a statement released Tuesday, Jones acknowledged the “women, the Black women, whom [his] actions have hurt.”
“To every survivor of domestic and sexual violence, I extend my sincerest apology for the hurt, frustration and pain my choices caused,” Jones said.
Ultimately, congresspeople are public servants who have a responsibility to their constituents. This responsibility goes beyond voting on bills and legislation — it also includes exercising judgment about who and what they choose to elevate with the prestige of their position.
Crockett’s actions and lack of accountability are impossible to ignore, considering she’s built a platform on chastising Trump and demanding transparency from his administration regarding the Epstein files.
Crockett and Jones weren’t obligated to embrace Brown, especially with an official Congressional Record. These choices were voluntary, made with awareness of Brown’s extensive public records. If the pair expect the public to hold the powerful accountable, they should hold themselves to that very standard.
Navya Varma is a sophomore majoring in political science. She can be reached at navarma@syr.edu.
