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“Do the right thing!” is what a Houston businesswoman is pleading of Chris Brown, claiming that the superstar is refusing to return the $1.1 million she paid him in advance of him bailing out on a Houston benefit concert with no warning.

On Wednesday, political, community and business leaders held a news conference Wednesday, calling out Brown for what they called “reneging” on a contract and scheduled performance for a concert on March 19.

LeJuan Bailey, owner and VP of DML Real Estate Investors and Construction, said her company booked Brown to appear in her “One Night Only Benefit Concert” at the Toyota Center. The concert’s purpose was to raise money for residents whose homes were damaged in Houston and Louisiana due to Hurricane Ida and Nicholas.

According to a press release, the benefit concert, which was also to feature Monica and Bryson Tiller, was raising funds to rebuild 35 houses for Hurricane Ida families. 

Bailey accuses the singer of canceling his appearance, even though she covered his fees to perform, accommodations and private plane requests. She said Brown has acknowledged his receipt of her last wire transfer but has refused to refund payments.

“We are here today, on 713 Day in Houston to tell Chris Brown that you don’t mess with Texas,” State Rep. Ron Reynolds said. “I don’t know how it works in New York or California or any other place in the country, but when you have a contract then you don’t renege on it without returning the $1.1 million that she paid you.”

Reynolds said Bailey is actually out of $1.9 million because of the money that she paid other performers.

Bailey said Brown’s actions have caused issues with sponsors and ticket holders. She said his team of advisors have ignored her repeated requests and attempts to mediate the situation.

“I acted in good faith and sponsored this concert out of love and respect for residents in need,” Bailey said. “I am appalled that Chris Brown refuses to refund my money for a show he did not appear to after we announced our show and sold tickets.”

The Toyota Center posted notification of the cancelation on its website with information on ticket refunds.

“At this point, it is my humble belief that Chris Brown’s actions are parallel to pure theft,” Bailey continues. “He has the unmitigated gall to take my money, stand up the residents of Houston, then return to the city to perform on August 17, 2022. My message to Chris Brown: We will not sit back and allow you to disrespect the victims of Hurricane Ida and Nicholas in need.”

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Sandra Massie Hines, a community activist lovingly referred to as the “Honorary Mayor of Sunnyside” said there were big plans to honor Brown before he left the people hanging.

“When I think of this situation, I think of it as being deceptive, hoodwinked and bamboozled,” Hines said. “I have honors and certificates for you, Monica and Bryson Tiller and others that would have gone to those artists had you done right! God bless you Chris Brown, and I hope in the end that you do the right thing.”

Dr. Carolyn Evans Shabazz, councilmember of District D, said her concern is for the many people still suffering from disasters that this concert would have helped. She said Brown needs to be held responsible.

“It is hopefully a day of reckoning where Chris Brown will hopefully realize, at some point in his life, he needs to take accountability for his actions,” Shabazz said. “And for him to arrogantly go on Twitter and say, ‘I’m not coming’ after receiving the money is not only unconscionable and not acceptable, it’s deplorable.”

Shabazz said she hopes Brown will rectify this situation and move forward in a manner that shows integrity.

There has been no public response from Brown or his camp.