At 21 years old his success is unmatchable compared to others – yet Justin Bieber has revealed just the strain and problems he has had in the process of coping with growing up in the spotlight. In an article for NME’s 13th November Issue, he offered his own personal insight into the world of celebrity, and the depression and isolation that comes with his stardom. The interview comes straight after the star announced a world tour during an appearance on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” which will be opening in the new year on March 9th 2016.
On the discussion of his responsibilities as a role model and worldwide icon he said: ‘It’s because of the way the ‘Justin Bieber brand’ was portrayed. I was a wholesome pop star who was so amazing who had nice hair and a f***ing image that no one could ever live up to. So when all this happened people were like, ‘Woah, let’s rip him apart’. If you see Ghandi roll up a blunt, it’s different to seeing Ryan Gosling roll up a blunt. You wouldn’t give Ryan Gosling a hard time.’
He also added: ‘I just want people to know I’m human. I’m struggling just to get through the days. I think a lot of people are.’
He also then continued to shed some light on the fact that he is suffering with depression and he is quoted saying, ’You get lonely, you know, when you’re on the road. People see the glam and the amazing stuff, but they don’t know the other side. This life can rip you apart.
‘I get depressed all the time. And I feel isolated. You’re in your hotel room and there are fans all around, paparazzi following you everywhere, and it gets intense. When you can’t go anywhere or do anything alone you get depressed. I would not wish this upon anyone.”
‘I watched the Amy Winehouse documentary on the plane and I had tears in my eyes because I could see what the media was doing to her, how they were treating her. People thought it was funny to poke her when she was at rock bottom, to keep pushing her down until she had no more of herself. And that’s what they were trying to do to me.‘
You can read more in this weeks issue of NME on Friday 13th 2015. Until then leave us a comment or tweet us @CelebMix !