Usher Defends Beiber: Singer Supports Protege On 'Ellen' Show

Even thought pop singer Justin Bieber’s reputation has taken a hit due to his recent activities, mentor and R&B singer Usher is still standing by his the young star, according to MSN.com.

In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres on the “Ellen” Show, Usher—whose birth name is Usher Raymond IV—said right now Bieber may just be going through growing pains and in this time he needs the support of his friends and family.

He also pointed out that many stars went through the same experience and it helped shape who they are, for better or for worse.

“It's been done (before, and) many, many other celebrities are (the) product of it, and some come out bad and some come out good. I am hoping for the best,” he told Degenres. “I don't look at as a negative, though. I look at it as a teenager. He's teenager having to live his life in front of a camera. Imagine if you had to do that as a teenager."

Beiber has been in the news most recently for being in trouble with authorities for speeding in his Ferrari through his gated community in California.

Law enforcement is investigating that incident as well as another in which a neighbor accused Beiber of spitting on him.

At the time it was just a he said/he said situation.

"The neighbor has complained Mr. Bieber spit on him and made some threats,” said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, soon after the incident occured. “Mr. Bieber's people say that it did not happen. Obviously, our detectives will determine what happened and take appropriate action."