When Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the Texas Democrat known for her sharp rhetoric and recent electoral defeat, stepped onto a stage in Dallas this past weekend to "honor" music artist Chris Brown, she ignited an immediate firestorm. In a move that left many questioning her judgment and the priorities of the progressive Left, Crockett used her congressional platform to recognize an individual with a long, disturbing history of violence against women.
"Now, y’all know, I tend to get in trouble every once in a while. I’m a make this real quick. I need to know who run it! So is Dallas in the building?" Crockett declared, before adding, "Let’s give it up for Chris Brown." This public tribute, later followed by a formal entry into the congressional record, sent a clear message that many Americans found not just tone-deaf, but "completely vile."
This isn't Crockett's first encounter with controversy. The same lawmaker who recently mocked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as "uniquely disabled" during a "Black Lady Courtroom" broadcast, and who once declared that "America owes Black women 'everything,'" now seems intent on defending or celebrating figures whose actions directly contradict basic decency and accountability.
The individual Crockett chose to elevate is Chris Brown, a name synonymous with brutal domestic violence. In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault for savagely beating his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. Images of her horrific injuries shocked the nation, leading to widespread condemnation. Yet, his pattern of violence didn't end there. He was involved in a 2013 altercation with singer Frank Ocean, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault that same year, and in 2017, faced a domestic violence restraining order from another ex-girlfriend who alleged physical abuse.
His rap sheet continued to grow as recently as July 2023, when he pleaded guilty to charges of striking a producer twice in the head with a glass tequila bottle. Brown is still awaiting sentencing for a separate affray charge in English law. Apparently, for some on the Left, a history of serial assault is no barrier to being celebrated by a sitting U.S. Representative.
The backlash was swift and unequivocal. Andrew Kerr, an investigative reporter for the Washington Free Beacon, cut straight to the chase on X, noting, "Kamala Harris-endorsed Rep. Jasmine Crockett uses her congressional authority to honor Chris Brown, the rapper best known for beating ever-living s--- out of Rihanna in 2009."
Shannon Watts, a Democratic activist and commentator, also highlighted Brown's grim history, detailing how "Chris Brown pled guilty to felony assault after brutally attacking Rihanna. Another ex, Karrueche Tran, later obtained a five-year restraining order after testifying that he abused and threatened her. He has also faced multiple allegations of violence and sexual assault against other women."
Crockett’s member statement, a legislative tool meant for recognition, lauded "the artistry of Chris Brown and Usher Raymond." On stage, she framed her decision as a celebration of "Black joy to the highest level," stating, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. And right now, we are experiencing Black joy to the highest level, and I wanted to make sure we document that in the Congressional Record."
However, even within her own political circles, the move was seen as a grave miscalculation. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross excoriated Crockett, writing, "Chris Brown has a problem, and several folks beyond Rihanna have met his violent rage. It’s well-documented. This was a ridiculous move by Crockett." Cross added a piercing observation: "Also, when Black women suffer [domestic violence] at the highest rates and often fatally, this was tone deaf as hell."
Eric Michael Garcia, D.C. bureau chief for the Independent, echoed the sentiment, calling it "Absolutely disgusting to see Jasmine Crockett platform and honor an abuser of women. Just completely vile." New York Times bestselling author Dan Winslow didn't mince words either: "CHRIS BROWN plead guilty to beating Rihanna. It was a horrific and savage beating. Crockett thought he deserved to be honored. Absolutely disgusting behavior. I am glad she lost. I will never support her again."
Adding an ironic twist to Crockett's controversial "honor," Brown himself responded on Instagram, expressing displeasure at being put in the spotlight. "Funny thing is... YALL CAME TO ME WITH THIS! NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. I was minding my own d-mn business. My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain't asked to be honored because I knew some sh-t like this would happen... I have an idea how about y'all leave me the f--- alone and let me focus on the fans that spent their money to actually see and support me," Brown wrote, inadvertently highlighting the absurdity of Crockett's political grandstanding.
Having given up her House seat in a failed bid for the Senate against James Talarico, Rep. Crockett will not be returning to Congress. Perhaps this latest example of profoundly misplaced judgment, celebrating a serial abuser in the name of "joy," serves as a fitting end to a political chapter that prioritized performative activism over genuine accountability and common sense American values. The American people, it seems, are increasingly unwilling to overlook such blatant disregard for the truth.
