Dallas — Chris Brown continues to attract enormous audiences and maintain a powerful position in contemporary R&B, even as his career remains intertwined with years of controversy and allegations of violence.
The issue came into focus during Brown and Usher’s R&B Tour in Dallas, where Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett appeared onstage during the concert and celebrated Brown before a packed audience. Texas state Rep. Venton Jones also joined her.
Crockett’s appearance drew criticism outside the venue. Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross and writer Roxane Gay were among those who criticized the decision to publicly celebrate Brown. Jones later apologized for his participation. Crockett has not publicly addressed the backlash, while Brown and Usher did not respond to requests for comment.
The controversy reflects a longstanding divide surrounding Brown. His supporters continue to embrace him as a singer and dancer, while critics point to the 2009 assault involving his then-girlfriend Rihanna, along with subsequent accusations.
Brown pleaded guilty in the 2009 case after initially pleading not guilty. His sentence included five years of probation, 1,400 hours of labor-oriented service and participation in a counseling program. Rihanna later said she forgave Brown.
Other allegations followed. In 2013, a woman accused Brown of assaulting her at a nightclub. Brown’s representative later described the allegation as false and unfounded, and charges were not filed.
In 2016, former beauty pageant contestant Baylee Curran alleged that Brown pulled a gun on her. Brown denied the allegation, and the incident was never corroborated. In 2017, a judge granted Brown’s former girlfriend Karrueche Tran a five-year restraining order after she alleged that Brown had made violent threats against her.
A 2022 lawsuit accused Brown of drugging and raping a woman in 2020. Brown’s attorney denied the allegations. The lawsuit was dismissed that year after the judge cited lack of prosecution.
More recently, Brown pleaded guilty to affray over a 2023 incident at a London nightclub. Prosecutors said he struck a man twice on the head with a glass bottle.
Despite the controversies, Brown’s music career has remained commercially strong. His 2011 album “F.A.M.E.” became his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 and earned him his first Grammy Award.
He has also worked with numerous prominent artists, including Drake, Ciara, H.E.R., Jack Harlow and Bryson Tiller. His 2025 Breezy Bowl XX tour was among the year’s highest-grossing tours.
Part of Brown’s continued popularity is tied to the relationship he developed with fans after entering the music industry as a teenager. His debut single, “Run It!,” eventually reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.
His supporters have continued to identify strongly with the performer, while critics have continued to question how his commercial success coexists with his history.
Brown addressed the latest backlash directly, saying his Dallas shows were already sold out and that he wanted to focus on the fans who had paid to see him.
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