In the past several days, videos of pop star Justin Bieber making racist jokes as a teenager have surfaced. As the media and fans have denounced Bieber, many have wondered if the Canadian singer’s longtime mentor, Usher, would ever officially speak about the controversy. It has been reported that Usher has known about at least one of the video clips for years, with Bieber himself stating that the elder star took him aside and showed him videos about the history of racism to make him understand the gravity of his words.
Now, in an interview with Nylon Guys, Usher shared his thoughts on the situation and says that he stands by his protege.
“I gave every bit of advice and always told him it was up to him if he really wanted this,” Usher says. “Now that he has it, as an adult, it’s his to manage.
“Do I turn my head in shame based off of what I see, what I know?” he says. “Nah, I don’t because it’s all part of life’s process. Am I in it with him? Yeah. It’s unfortunate. I hate some of the things I hear. Is it all true? I don’t know. But I will tell you this: Success comes with a price.”
“Every person that has grown up, grows through something,” he continues. “It ain’t just perfect from the beginning.”
Usher believes that it’s up to him to be a guiding force in Bieber’s life and career and says that he will continue to be just that. He explains that having guidance is necessary for navigating fame and career.
“Artistic development made me who I am,” he says. “Somebody took the time to help me find what it is that works for me as an entertainer and who I am as a music maker.”
Usher also acknowledges that, when he’s been faced with criticism from the public, he’s taken it seriously without taking it to heart.
“In all honesty, I give one s–t,” he said in regards to criticism. “I do hear them — that’s why I say one s–t. I do give a s–t, but not two s–ts. Two s–ts is a lot.”
“I care enough to make sure they understand that I’m making it for them, but I’ve got to be true to where I am.”
