Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is asking for forgiveness from fans Reuters

In the wake of the scandal over Justin Bieber using the "N-word" and joking about joining the Ku Klux Klan in a video that went viral, the singer's African-American mentor, Usher, is speaking out.

The R&B star, who signed Bieber when he was 13, told Nylon Guys he knows what it’s like to be young and grow up in the limelight under mass scrutiny. "Do I turn my head in shame based off of what I see, what I know? Nah, I don't because it's all part of life's process. Am I in it with him? Yeah,” “The Voice” coach said in a cover story in the June/July issue via People.com.

Though Usher might not be turning his back on the troubled Canadian pop star, he lamented there was only so much guidance he could give the 20-year-old. "I gave every bit of advice and always told him it was up to him if he really wanted this. Now that he has it, as an adult, it's his to manage," he said.

But Bieber’s offense is just the latest in a long list of indiscretions, which include being arrested for DUI and assault. He’s been accused of attempted robbery and vandalism.

"It's unfortunate," Usher, 35, said about Bieber’s trouble with the law. "I hate some of the things I hear.”

But the singer, who moved to New York City when he was 15 to work with Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, said “success comes with a price.” He continued: “Every person that has grown up, grows up with something. It ain't just perfect from the beginning."

The Biebs has apologized for his racist comments and asked his fans on Instagram for forgiveness. In a statement to the Associated Press, he said: "I take all my friendships with people of all cultures very seriously and I apologize for offending or hurting anyone with my childish and inexcusable behavior."

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