Singer Ne-Yo believes embattled R&B star Chris Brown has been unfairly treated by the justice system because he is a celebrity.

The Kiss Kiss hitmaker is currently behind bars in Virginia while he awaits trial for allegedly assaulting a man in Washington, D.C. last year (13).

However, Ne-Yo believes officials are determined to make an example of Brown because of his celebrity status.

The So Sick hitmaker tells TMZ.com, "The system likes to make an example of celebrities that's all it is. Because he (Brown) is who he is they're making an example of him. It's not right but it is what it is. Chris (is going to) be alright... If I know nothing about Chris, I know that he's a survivor."

Brown is due to stand trial for the misdemeanour assault charge later this month (Apr14).