Justin Bieber's mom is standing up for her son.
While the 19-year-old pop star has recently been making headlines for his questionable behavior (his BFF Lil Twist was arrested for DUI this morning while driving Justin's car), mom Pattie Mallette is backing the Biebs, but admits her son has to make—and learn from—his own mistakes.
"My son is not a public figure to me, he is my son," Mallette told E! News while promoting the teen version of her book Nowhere But Up at Covenant House, a care agency for homeless teens in NYC. "I can't predict what's going to be in the headlines," she added.
Justin's recent headline-making behavior includes peeing in a bucket while screaming "F--k Bill Clinton" (he later apologized for the incident) as well as accusations of reckless driving, threatening a neighbor and being turned away from nightclubs for being underage. He's also angered fans by showing up late to concerts, and he was recently sued by a paparazzo who claims the singer "physically attacked" him.
Still, Mallette insists Justin has always marched to the beat of his own drum and she's confident he'll mature into a well-mannered young man.
"Justin has always been someone who has to do things his way," she explained. "And I have to be able to believe he will do the right thing and he will come out on top."
Pattie herself is no stranger to struggle. She was sexually abused when she was just 5 years old and began experimenting with drugs in her teens before she tried to take her own life at age 17. Soon after, she became pregnant with Justin, and she credits the pregnancy crisis center with saving her life.
As for the strong-willed mom's advice for her son?
She hopes he'll read latest version of her book, Nowhere But Up: The Story of Justin Bieber's Mom: Teen Version, which has been rereleased and geared towards teens.
"Justin read the teen version," she said. "Read your mama!"
You hear that, Justin? Mama knows best.
Do you agree with Pattie or are you tired of Justin's behavior? Tell us in the comments!