Chris Brown is pushing back after Texas state Rep. Venton Jones apologized for helping honor the singer during The R&B Tour.
Brown responded Tuesday on Instagram after Jones apologized to Black women and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The apology followed criticism of a Sept. 12 ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Jones and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett joined Brown and Usher onstage during the concert. Crockett presented the singers with recognition documenting their musical contributions in the Congressional Record. Jones presented Brown with a separate Texas legislative recognition.
The ceremony drew criticism because of Brown’s history of legal issues, including his 2009 guilty plea to felony assault involving Rihanna. Brown also pleaded guilty this year to affray related to a 2023 nightclub incident in London.
Jones addressed the controversy Tuesday during an appearance on Don Lemon’s show. He said the recognition was not intended to “stoke the traumas” associated with domestic violence.
“I want to offer an apology,” Jones said. He specifically addressed “Black women, women and anyone who has experienced domestic violence.”
Jones later released a broader written statement.
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the women, the Black women, whom my actions have hurt,” he wrote. “I apologize.”
R&B Singer Chris Brown Responds To Texas State Rep. Venton Jones Apology To Domestic Violence Victims After Honoring Singer In Dallas
He added that his work and personal experience did not remove his responsibility.
“My work and experience do not absolve me of accountability,” Jones wrote.
Jones also said he and Crockett had participated in the event partly to encourage voter engagement ahead of the November midterm elections.
Brown responded with a sharply different message on Instagram.
“Funny thing is, y’all came to me with this! Not the other way around,” Brown wrote. “I was minding my damn business. My shows in Dallas were already sold out.”
Brown said he never requested the recognition.
“I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some sh-t like this would happen,” he wrote.
He then accused Jones of “tap dancing” and apologizing because he did not want to lose “voters and support.”
Brown concluded: “How about yall leave me the f-ck alone and let me focus on the fans that spent their money to actually see and support me.”
Brown had previously thanked Crockett and Jones for the recognition. Crockett has not publicly responded to the subsequent criticism.
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