DJ Skrillex: Justin Bieber is not a bad person

Speaking out: Skrillex has defended Justin Bieber
Miranda Bryant4 September 2015
The Weekender

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Electronic music star Skrillex has defended Justin Bieber, claiming the singer is “not a bad person”.

The 27-year-old American producer and DJ has been working with Bieber and spoke of his affection for the pop star, saying people should not be so quick to judge him.

Skrillex, whose full name is Sonny John Moore, produced Bieber’s single What Do You Mean? and has reportedly been working on his new album, set to be released this year.

He said: “He’s [Bieber] nice, he’s a f***ing kid. It’s so funny how ‘sheepish’ people can be, they look at a tabloid and they think they know them. Never judge a person until you know them... Probably you and I grew up with worse kids, he is not a bad person.”

Not a bad person: Skrillex thinks that Justin Bieber is 'nice' 
Startraks Photo/REX

He also said the 21-year-old was good at anything he tried. “He’ll better you in every instrument, he’ll beat you in ping pong.”

Former child star Bieber — who has been accused of attacking paparazzi and has a conviction for vandalism — became emotional on stage after a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards last weekend.

Justin Bieber Comedy Roast

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Explaining his past behaviour, the singer told Jimmy Fallon he “just had a bunch of knuckleheads around me”. He added: “I just went through a place of just trying to figure it out and making decisions ... but you have to test the waters. I just happened to be in front of a bunch of spotlights.”

Skrillex is one of the five highest-paid DJs, according to Forbes’s latest rich list which says he earned $24 million in the past year. He performed at SW4 festival in Clapham last Sunday.

An appearance at Shy FX’s Party On The Moon soundsystem at Notting Hill Carnival on Monday did not happen because to concerns over the number of people around the stage. Skrillex also went to Red Bull Music Academy’s Dutty Club party where DJs included Jamie xx.

Skrillex, who has dated British star Ellie Goulding, praised Skepta and other London grime artists who are gaining traction in the US.

He said: “It [London] has its own bloodline when it comes to music and what’s in — the club scene and all the influence from grime and drum’n’bass and from the islands, the Caribbean. London is a place informed by radio... I like London a lot, it’s cool.”

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