Will.i.am has come to defend controversial stars like Justin Bieber, who he thinks face a lot of pressure since they grow up in spotlight.

While talking to a UK publication, the Black Eyed Peas star said he feels that the 20-year-old pop star had a hard time growing up since the magnifying glass is on him, Contactmusic reported.

The 39-year-old singer added that it isn't important that pop stars should be role models and there are no rules on how a pop star should act.