Universal Boss: Justin Bieber 'Needs Help, Needs An Intervention'
Jan. 28 2014, Published 7:04 a.m. ET
Lucian Grainge, the man who runs Justin Bieber's home label of Universal, said Monday that the pop star "needs help" and "needs an intervention," vowing to "to take as much pressure off" the singer "so he can look forward."
Grainge, 53, made the bold comments at Universal's Grammys post-show party at Los Angeles' Ace Hotel, just days after the Canadian crooner was arrested on DUI and drag racing charges in South Florida.
“I’m very concerned about him -- I’ve been concerned about him for many months, and Bieber's manager Scooter Braun, who I work with very closely and is supposed to be here, is with him at the moment," Grainge said, clarifying his concern "has nothing to do with the business or records or releases.
"This has to do with the young man … hopefully, we will all get through to him."
The music exec cited the 19-year-old's "Baby" singer's youth and success as a potential stumbling block to get back on track.
“You cannot just pick someone up and force them to do something if they are not ready," he said. "All of us around him need to take all the responsibility, all the pressure off him and give him support so he can address the issues he has -- and he does have issues.
"And I’d like it to be dealt with.”
As we previously reported, Bieber has reportedly been visited by Braun, his mother Pattie Mallette and mentor Usher during a trip to Panama following his arrest. Also along for the ride is Chantel Jeffries, the model who was with him last week when he was taken into custody.