Nationwide — Texas State Rep. Venton Jones apologized after facing backlash for recognizing Chris Brown with a Texas state proclamation, but Brown rejected the honor and criticized the lawmaker for addressing the controversy publicly. The dispute came after the recognition sparked criticism because of Brown’s legal history and past domestic abuse allegations.
He addressed the backlash during an appearance on Don Lemon’s morning show Tuesday, and apologized to Black women and survivors of domestic abuse who were offended by the recognition. Jones said he and Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared with Brown and Usher to recognize their contributions to music and entertainment. He also said the event was meant to raise awareness and encourage voters to participate in the upcoming midterm elections.
Brown had initially thanked both lawmakers for the recognition. In a Monday message, he said he was grateful for the honor and apologized to Crockett for any backlash she might face because of it. He also said he was “not political” and thanked the lawmakers again for recognizing him. His response changed after Jones publicly apologized for the proclamation.
After The Shade Room shared a post about Jones’ appearance with Lemon, Brown said he no longer wanted the award. “I don’t want the award anymore, my brother. You went on with Don Lemon and started tap dancing. Y’all keep that sh-t,” he wrote in the comments. Brown accused Jones of changing his position because of the criticism surrounding the honor.
Brown later continued his response through Instagram Stories. He said Jones and Crockett had approached him about the recognition and that he had not requested it. He also said his Dallas shows were already sold out and that he had been focused on his fans. Brown accused Jones of “tap dancing” because he believed the lawmaker was trying to protect his voter support. He ended by asking the lawmakers to leave him alone so he could focus on the fans who paid to attend his shows.
The controversy adds to the scrutiny Brown has faced over his legal history and allegations involving former partners. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to affray stemming from a 2023 nightclub attack in London and is scheduled to be sentenced in October. The Texas proclamation has now led to a public dispute between Brown and Jones over the recognition and the lawmaker’s decision to apologize after the backlash.