Ariana Grande speaks out in defence of Justin Bieber

 Ariana Grande has spoken up to defend her friend Justin Bieber following his recent arrest.

The 20-year-old actress, singer and songwriter called on the public to stop mocking Biebs, calling his situation "serious and upsetting".

Speaking to Boston's Mix 104.1, Ariana said: "I think it's really serious. I've seen tweets of people making fun of the mug shot and all this stuff and it's so ignorant.

"It's gotten to a point where I just want him to be okay. It's this very serious thing. It's not just like a kid who's, you know screwing around, it's dangerous. It's very serious and upsetting."

And she added, poignantly: "He's the most visible and yet isolated human being I've ever met."

Lady Gaga has also encouraged her fans to be supportive of JB's "Beliebers".

Biebs flew to Panama yesterday following his release from jail.