Jasmine Crockett

During his interview with Lemon, Jones apologized specifically to Black women and people who have experienced domestic violence. He said honoring Brown was not intended to bring up trauma connected to the singer’s history, but acknowledged that his participation had hurt people. In a separate written statement, Jones said his decision had contributed to Black women’s safety and lived experiences being sidelined.

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Chris Brown Says He Never Asked To Be Honored

Brown took issue with Jones distancing himself from the presentation after the backlash arrived. He said the lawmakers approached him with the recognition, not the other way around, and argued that Jones apologized because he was worried about losing political support.

“I was minding my damn business,” Brown wrote. “My shows in Dallas were already sold out. I ain’t ask to be honored because I knew some sh*t like this would happen.” He ended by asking politicians and critics to leave him alone so he could focus on the fans supporting his tour.

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The response was considerably different from the message Brown sent Crockett one day earlier. He thanked the congresswoman and apologized for the backlash she was receiving, saying he was grateful for the recognition. Crockett has not issued a similar public apology for participating in the ceremony.

Jones said he and Crockett were originally brought into the event in connection with voter outreach ahead of the November election. He told Lemon that the lawmakers intended to use the concert audience to encourage political participation, though the awards became part of the appearance that drew national attention. Meanwhile, Brown has not said whether he plans to physically return the State of Texas recognition or was simply rejecting it publicly. His Congressional Record entry, which came through Crockett rather than Jones, also remains in place.