Justin Bieber ‘Rebelling’ To Show He’s An Adult, Says Donny Osmond

For teen idol Justin Bieber, transitioning to manhood whilst simultaneously scarfing down a side order of uber fame has been traumatic. More so, because so few people understand the struggle of an idol. However, Donny Osmond isn’t people and he gets the Biebs.

The former teen pin-up — who crushed it in the 60’s with brothers The Osmonds then went solo in the 70’s, later pairing with sister Marie as performers, talk show hosts, and from 2008 a Las Vegas headlining gig — has been famous across the generations so probably knows of what he speaks.

In a new interview with Closer Weekly, Donny said Bieber’s interesting 2013 was to do with him “feeling the pains” of trying to move away from his child star persona.

“I’m just a normal guy, and Donny & Marie left me with such a wacky image,” Osmond recalls.

“Since ‘Puppy Love’ and ‘Go Away Little Girl’ were such big records, I went through a period when I hated it.”

An older and wiser Osmond, who is now 56, says he struggled when he attempted to shed his boy scout image in the 80’s following over a decade of teen stardom, and that he understands Justin’s acting out.

“Everyone thinks he’s still the kid who sang ‘Baby,’” Osmond said of the 19-year-old. “But he’s an adult and he’s rebelling to show people he’s an adult.”

Bieber has seen his public image take a dive following a string of incidents including drug raids on Believe tour buses, footage of the star urinating into a mop bucket, trouble in Brazil and Australia over his graffiti, and a farcical exit from a brothel — to name a few.

Justin offered his own take on his difficulties in a recent radio spot with Ryan Seacrest.

“People don’t really get to see me and that I’m really a 19-year-old boy,” the Canadian said. “I’m becoming a man but I’m still 19.”

He added, “I’m still finding myself and when I have the media attacking me everyday, it’s no less of bullying than you know what happens in schools. These people calling me names and saying things, when they don’t know what’s true or not.”

Justin continued,”I make mistakes growing up as everybody does. I’m not perfect, I’m not a robot. People forget I’m a human being. So I gotta make mistakes and grow from it and get stronger.”

Elaborating on his advice, Osmond said Bieber and other young stars making the move to the big table should relax on the angst and that includes not hating their early image.

“Just let it happen. You can’t change history,” Donny tells Closer.

“When you hit it so big at such a young age, time freezes in people’s minds. You just have to live with the consequences until enough time goes by — 20 or 30 years, in my case. You get to a time when you end up embracing it.”

Do you think Osmond is right and that Bieber, Cyrus, and other child stars should ease up on the rebel rebel?