Photos: Justin Bieber Apologizes For Using The N-Word, Former bodyguard defends him

Justin Bieber has released a statement regarding the use of racist language in a recent video.

"As a kid, I didn't understand the power of certain words and how they can hurt. I thought it was ok to repeat hurtful words and jokes, but didn't realize at the time that it wasn't funny and that in fact my actions were continuing the ignorance. Thanks to friends and family I learned from my mistakes and grew up and apologized for those wrongs. Now that these mistakes from the past have become public I need to apologize again to all those I have offended. I'm very sorry. I take my friendships with people of all cultures very seriously and I apologize for offending or hurting anyone with my childish and inexcusable mistake. I was a kid then and I am a man now who knows my responsibility to the world and to not make that mistake again. Ignorance has no place in our society and I hope the sharing of my faults can prevent others from making the same mistake in the future.  I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say but telling the truth is always what's right. Five years ago I made a reckless and immature mistake and i'm grateful to those close to me who helped me learn those lessons as a young man. Once again....I'm sorry."

Justin Bieber is in hot water once again after the release of a video clip featuring the then 15-year-old pop star using the N-word as the punchline to an offensive "joke."

In the video, the singer is seen with a group of friends when he then says to them: "Why are black people afraid of chainsaws?"

Although one of his acquaintances can be heard asking him not to continue, he then says: "Run n*****, n*****, n*****, n*****, n*****."

The 20-year-old has been through his fair share of controversy this year, even prompting his musical mentor, Usher, to visit him in an attempt to set him back on the right path.

According to the Daily Mail, the video has been around for some time but his camp have been keen to keep it under wraps.

However, Kenny Hamilton -- Justin's friend and former bodyguard -- came to his defense via Twitter, telling the world that the young star is not a racist.

We all make jokes about people's size, look, or race. That doesn't mean it's right but comedians make millions of dollars profiting off...
— Kenny Hamilton (@KennyHamilton) June 1, 2014

...of these jokes. If someone is racist or prejudice you would know from a persons actions. Not because of a joke a 15 year old says.
— Kenny Hamilton (@KennyHamilton) June 1, 2014

What I do know whole heartedly is @justinbieber is not prejudice nor is he racist. He wasn't raised that way and his family isn't either.
— Kenny Hamilton (@KennyHamilton) June 1, 2014

He will always be criticized and judged every day of his life by people who only know him because of blogs or the press. That won't change
— Kenny Hamilton (@KennyHamilton) June 1, 2014

As a black man I am telling the world that @justinbieber is not a racist. I have known him since he was 12 years old and I know his heart.
— Kenny Hamilton (@KennyHamilton) June 1, 2014

#I'm with you on this one Kenny, as a black & beautiful chic, I/we forgive Bieber but NOT that punk Donald Sterling!!!