Bieber balks at 'brat' barb

LOS ANGELES, May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Marg Helgenberger says Canadian-born singer Justin Bieber was "kind of a brat" when he guest-starred on her show, "CSI," last year.

"I shouldn't be saying this but he was kind of a brat [on the set,]" the Huffington Post quoted Helgenberger as telling the French magazine Le Grand Direct Des Medias about the 17-year-old pop star.

"He was very nice to me," she said, "but he locked one of the producers in a closet."

The Post said Bieber has a reputation as a prankster and some of his stunts were showcased in his movie "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never."

TMZ said Bieber Monday defended himself with the Twitter posting: "it's kinda lame when someone you met briefly and never worked with comments on you. I will continue to wish them luck and be kind. ... I know who i am and sometimes people r just going 2 say what they want. Keep ur head up and be the man ur mama raised."