American singer Usher believes that pop star Justin Bieber needs to take control of his own life following his recent run-ins with the law and bad publicity.

The rapper has mentored Bieber, 20, since his career took off at the age of just 13, but he hasn't tried to stage an intervention following Justin's recent problems as he insists that the youngster needs to learn from his own mistakes, reports contactmusic.com.

"I gave every bit of advice and always told him it was up to him if he really wanted this. Now that he has it, as an adult, it's his to manage. Do I turn my head in shame based off of what I see, what I know? Nah, I don't because it's all part of life's process. Am I in it with him? Yeah,` he said.

Usher, 35, was mentored by rapper Diddy from the age of 15, so he understands why it's important to have someone else in the industry looking out for you.

"Artistic development made me who I am. Somebody took the time to help me find what it is that works for me as an entertainer and who I am as a music maker,` said Usher.

Earlier this year, Bieber was arrested in Miami and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), resisting arrest and possessing an invalid driver's licence.

And just this week, he was forced to apologise after a controversial video emerged of him telling a racist joke.