Chris Brown refuses to stand for American national anthem on anniversary of 9/11

The 27-year-old stayed seated as R&B singer Tank performed the The Star-Spangled Banner at a charity basketball game in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The father-of-one is the latest celebrity to join San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest against racial injustice and police brutality.

Chris Brown's act of defiance

Before performing, Tank called on the crowd at the USC Galen Centre to stand in a show of respect for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks 15 years ago.

But Brown refused to get up, instead nodding his head and clapping at the end of the performance.

Chris Brown participated in a charity All-Star basketball game at the USC Galen Centre in the US. Picture: EduStarts/Splash NewsSource:Supplied
 

The Zero singer’s act of defiance sparked outrage, with some Twitter users branding him a hypocrite.

Tracey Theisen tweeted: “Priceless. Chris Brown, who horribly physically beat a woman, sits during #NationalAnthem 2 make a ‘statement’?”

Zach wrote: “Chris Brown is a disgusting example of a human. Refuse 2 stand during the national anthem on 9/11?”

 

Stay classy!

A photo posted by 1 YOU ❤️ 2 HATE (@chrisbrownofficial) on Sep 11, 2016 at 6:36pm PDT

During an hours-long siege, Brown verbally attacked law enforcement officers.

In a series of Instagram videos, he accused police of “defacing” his character and making him out to be a villain.