Usher Violent With Justin Bieber? 'The Voice' Judge Says He'll 'Punch Him In The Chest' When He Needs To!

Justin Bieber has been getting in a lot of trouble lately, but now his mentor Usher is coming to his defense in a candid new interview.

"He's making his own decisions and it's important to show support," the "Good Kisser" singer told Billboard Magazine. "I can say I'm not happy with all the choices my friend has made, but I'm supportive of him."

Some of Bieber's hell-raising shenanigans have included throwing eggs at his neighbors, punching photographers, getting arrested, and his drama-filled relationship with Selena Gomez playing out on social media.

The "Baby" singer began singing on YouTube and then acquired a management and record deal at 13 years old with Usher and Scooter Braun's Raymond Braun Media Group.

"Our relationship is more man-to-man now," The Voice judge told the mag. "I try my hardest to give as much positive reinforcement as I can. I'll punch him in the f--king chest when I need to, and give him a hug and kiss when I need to. It's more than just mentoring. I love the kid."

One of Bieber's most shocking incidents came when a video went viral of him make a joke while using the N-word. At the time, the "Confessions" singer also defended his protégé from widespread attacks.

"As I have watched Justin Bieber navigate difficult waters as a young man, I can tell you that he hasn't always chosen the path of his greatest potential, but he is unequivocally not a racist," Usher said, according to Us Weekly. "What he is now is a young man faced with an opportunity to become his best self, an example to the millions of kids that follow him to not make the same mistakes."

What do you think of Usher's relationship with Bieber? Should he be a tougher role model on him?