Pharrell Williams got down on both knees in the middle of the “Concert for Charlottesville” Sunday night after President Donald Trump called out players who kneel during the national anthem.
“I’m in Virginia right now. I’m home, the 44-year-old “Happy” singer explained to the crowd gathered at the University of Virginia, before stating that kneeling is “what this flag is for.”
The comment starts at the 11:35 minute mark. (RELATED: Stevie Wonder Kneels ‘For America’ At Global Citizen Festival [VIDEO])
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“Ain’t nobody tell me what to do,” he added. “If I want to get on my knees right now. If I want to get on my knees right now for the people of my city, for the people of my state, that’s what this flag is for.”
“And when I think about the potential of this country, the potential of this state, potential of these people the potential of this amazing, amazing university, there’s only one word that I feel on the inside…,” he shared, before leading into his hit song “Happy.”
There was no mention of Trump, though his comments came after the president said during a rally in Alabama that National Football League owners should fire players who don’t stand for the national anthem and suggested fans boycott games over it on Sunday.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, he’s fired!'” Trump said. “He’s fired!”
“If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag and Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend,” Trump tweeted Sunday.
If NFL fans refuse to go to games until players stop disrespecting our Flag & Country, you will see change take place fast. Fire or suspend!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 24, 2017