Toronto Mayor Rob Ford defends Justin Bieber: 'He's a young guy'

TORONTO, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Thousands of people signed a White House petition urging the Obama administration to deport Justin Bieber after Miami police arrested the 19-year-old singer on drunk driving and drag racing charges last week. But at least Canada's most famous controversial politician is willing to welcome him home.

"You know what, he’s a young guy,” Toronto Mayor Rob Ford told a Washington D.C.-based radio show The Sports Junkies on Wednesday. "At 19 years old I wish I was as successful as he was."

"He’s 19 years old guys, think back to when you were 19, you know," he said.

Bieber is also facing charges in his native country. The pop star turned himself in to Toronto police on Wednesday to face charges involving the alleged assault of a limousine driver.

Ford, meanwhile, faces a $3.6 million lawsuit claiming that he ordered the beating of a former family friend. The 44-year-old mayor has admitted to smoking crack and other incidents of substance abuse.

[Toronto Sun]