Friday, April 5, 2013 4:56pm ET by  
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Justin Bieber: "Will Smith is the man"

Justin Bieber has called Will Smith "the man" after the actor pledged his support for the young star.

The 19-year-old singer has endured a difficult 2013 so far, with a string of negative headlines sourced from a recent trip to the UK exacerbating the Canadian's reputation.

Hollywood actor Smith spoke out in support of Bieber recently, claiming the media often wants to portray young artists in a negative light.

Speaking to Extra, Smith said: "We think it hugely important to support artists, young artists specifically. There's really a war against that kind of artistry, that kind of creation, and against youth.

He added: "For me the most important thing was for him to know anytime he can just call and I'll come, whatever happens. At that age that's what you need to know. You can do what ya gonna do, but you have someplace you can go, you can find safety."

Bieber took to Twitter today (April 5) to thank the American actor for his support.

"Will Smith is the man" he wrote, with an accompanying link to Smith's interview with Extra.

will.i.am also recently spoke out on the troubles surrounding Bieber, explaining: "Justin's going to be OK. It's dangerous to be a child star, but it's dangerous to be a child in the ghetto, or to be a child at school being bullied." Watch Bieber live on tour here: