Usher defends former protege Bieber on 'Ellen'

Justin Bieber can't get out of the news. From signing the guestbook at the Anne Frank house to giving up his pet monkey to speeding in his gated neighborhood, his every move is documented.

He was even booed on stage at the Billboard Music Awards. His former mentor Usher has come to his defense, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Usher appeared on "Ellen" Wednesday to talk about his role as judge on "The Voice" and his career, but the conversation moved to his former protege Bieber.

"I'm hoping for the best," Usher told Ellen. "I don't look at [his actions] as a negative though. I look at it as a teenager. He's a teenager having to live his life in front of a camera.

"Imagine if you had to do that as a teenager."

Usher first introduced Justin Bieber on "Ellen" before he became a pop superstar.

See the full interview below.