Venton Jones Apologized for Honoring Brown, Saying It Sidelined Black Women’s Safety. Brown Rejected the Honor and Accused Jones of “Tap Dancing”
Chris Brown says he no longer wants a Texas honor presented to him after state Rep. Venton Jones apologized to Black women and domestic violence survivors amid mounting backlash over the recognition.
The dispute grew out of Brown and Usher’s Sept. 12 R&B Tour stop at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where Jones and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett participated in recognizing the singers for their contributions to music and entertainment. Crockett also moved to recognize their careers in the Congressional Record.
But criticism quickly followed over Brown’s history of violence, particularly his 2009 felony assault conviction involving his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Brown pleaded guilty to felony assault and was sentenced to probation, community labor and domestic violence counseling.
Jones, a Dallas Democrat representing Texas House District 100, addressed the controversy Tuesday during an appearance on Don Lemon’s morning show.
“I want to offer an apology,” Jones said. “I think this is a very important conversation around domestic violence and I want to offer my apology to Black women, to women and to anyone who has experienced domestic violence.”
Jones said he never intended the recognition to reopen trauma surrounding domestic violence. He explained that he and Crockett were also at the concert to encourage political participation ahead of the November midterm elections.
“We were brought in to help and talk to and mobilize voters who need to be engaged right now in this very important election that we have going on in November,” Jones said.
Jones later issued a broader written apology specifically acknowledging Black women.
“First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the women, the Black women, whom my actions have hurt,” Jones wrote. “In moments like these, I think it’s important to be specific and just as loud with an apology as our original actions were. I apologize.”
Jones added that Black women are frequently asked to shoulder political and community responsibilities while their own experiences are pushed aside.
“My decision was another moment that perpetuated this,” he wrote.
Brown Says Jones Can Keep The Award
Brown responded sharply after Jones’ apology.
Commenting on a social media post highlighting Jones’ remarks, Brown wrote, “I don’t want the award anymore my brother. You went on with don lemon and started tap dancing. Yall keep that sh-t.”
Brown later argued that he had never requested the recognition and accused Jones of distancing himself because of political pressure.
“Funny thing is, y’all came to me with this! Not the other way around,” Brown wrote on Instagram Stories.
He added that he wanted politicians to leave him alone and allow him to focus on his fans.
Brown’s response differed from his reaction to Crockett. Before Jones’ apology, Brown thanked both lawmakers for the recognition and later apologized to Crockett for any backlash directed at her.
“I’m not political but I move off of frequency and energy and I’m so grateful,” Brown wrote.
Recognition Rekindles Debate Over Brown’s History
The controversy has centered largely on whether Brown’s musical career should be publicly honored by elected officials given his history.
In addition to his 2009 assault conviction, Brown pleaded guilty in July to affray stemming from a 2023 confrontation at a London nightclub. British prosecutors said Brown used a glass bottle during the incident. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 26.
The backlash has also extended to Crockett, who joined Jones during the concert recognition and described the event as an opportunity to celebrate “Black joy.”
Jones, however, has now publicly acknowledged that the decision carried a broader consequence.
His apology specifically framed the controversy around Black women — a group he said is frequently expected to lead political and community fights while having its safety and lived experiences overlooked.
Brown’s response made clear he wants no part of the recognition following that apology.
