Police step in and stop Chris Brown from getting into a fight at charity basketball game after the singer sat down through the national anthem

Chris Brown was stopped from getting into a fight with a fan at a charity basketball game after he refused to stand for the national anthem.

The scandal-hit singer was seen leaning over the bench seats in Los Angeles and arguing with a spectator after he stayed seated and laughed during The Star Spangled Banner on Sunday night.

Police stepped in and separated the pair after the row got heated, so the game could carry on, TMZ reported.

 

Brown walked away twice but came back just seconds later to carry on the argument. At one point he was surrounded by police officers as he tried to explain the situation.  

 

The 27-year-old, who was arrested last week, became the latest star to join 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protest against police brutality and racial inequality in America. 

 

On Sunday, NFL stars joined the demonstration as stadiums across the country marked the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

 

Before belting out the Star Spangled Banner, R&B singer Tank said he understood everyone's right to stand or sit during the national anthem.

 

He asked the audience to stand 'in the wake of 9/11' and in respect for those who lost their lives in the September 2011 terrorist attacks.

 

Brown laughed with friends as he sat during the song, but bounced up at the end and applauded the effort.

 

The singer was participating in the fifth annual Power 106 Celebrity Basketball Game benefiting Homeboy Industries at USC's Galen Center.

 

He became the latest high-profile person to protest during the national anthem since NFL football player Colin Kaepernick refused to observe the anthem in preseason.