Rob Ford defends Justin Bieber

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford is sticking up for Justin Bieber.

Ford was asked about the pop star on the Washington D.C.-based radio show Sports Junkies today.

“What is going on with Canada’s worst export, Justin Bieber? You guys can have him back, we don’t want him in the United States of America.”

Ford says Bieber is just “a young guy.”

“Well you know what, he’s a young guy, at 19 years old, I wish I was as successful as he was. So, 19 years old guys, think back to when you were 19, you know?”

The hosts acknowledged, “it’s true…”

Last night Bieber was charged with assault in Toronto in connection to an incident with his limo driver last month. He has a court date on March 10th.

He is also facing charges of driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license in Florida. The court appearance on those charges is set for February 14th. Local media report Bieber is not expected to appear.

Image: Rob Ford’s 1999 mug shot (left); Justin Bieber’s mug shot from January 24 (right)