Democratic U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett has drawn criticism after she honored musician Chris Brown—a man with a history of domestic abuse—at a concert in Texas. During a performance in Arlington on Saturday, Crockett, alongside Texas state representative Venton Jones, presented Brown and R&B singer Usher with a "congressional record recognition," a formal, ceremonial honor that allows a member of Congress to document a person or event in the official congressional record. Crockett said she was there to "honor" Brown and Usher, noting that the event celebrated "Black joy at the highest level." She specifically acknowledged Brown, saying, "Let's give it up again for Chris Brown." Chris Brown, who pleaded guilty in 2009 to felony assault against his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, has faced multiple allegations of domestic violence over the years. He is also awaiting sentencing in the United Kingdom after pleading guilty to "affray" in a case where prosecutors claimed he struck a music producer with a bottle. Critics have questioned why Crockett would choose to honor someone with such a history, especially in light of the recent attention on issues of gender-based violence. Crockett lost the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas earlier this year to James Talarico, who is now running against Republican Ken Paxton in a closely watched race. Some have pointed out that Crockett has not campaigned with Talarico since her loss, and her appearance with Brown has raised questions about her priorities. Author Roxane Gay criticized the move on social media, calling it "a bizarre and unacceptable misstep" and noting that Crockett did not mention voting or endorsing candidates during the event. In response to questions about whether she would campaign with Talarico, Crockett told CNN's Laura Coates that she intended to focus on "down ballot" races—lower-profile elections for positions such as state representatives and local officials—arguing that these candidates should not be overshadowed by the high-profile Senate race. Some supporters defended her decision, suggesting that her appearance at the concert with Jones was an effort to encourage voter turnout for these races. Crockett has not publicly commented on the controversy.