The Sorry star has endured a series of legal issues over his wild antics in recent years, including an arrest for driving under the influence in Florida in January, 2014 - the same month he was accused of vandalising his former neighbour's Calabasas, California home.

Justin, 21, confesses his period of bad behaviour drove a wedge between himself and his mum Pattie Mallette, and their once-close bond became "pretty nonexisting".

"I was distant because I was ashamed," he admits to America's Billboard magazine. "I never wanted my mum to be disappointed in me and I knew she was. We spent some time not talking, so it takes time to rebuild that trust."

"She's living in Hawaii now, so it's hard, but getting better," he adds. "She's an amazing woman and I love her."

Justin's candid comments emerge almost six months after he paid tribute to Pattie on Mother's Day in May (15), when he thanked her for helping to bring his "stupid phase" to an end sooner rather than later.

"This little 4'9" woman may not look like a mom but she is, and she's the best at it!", he wrote beside a photo of Pattie. "This woman taught me everything I know, how to love how to be compassionate how to be strong when the only thing u (sic) wanna be is weak how to stand when all you want to do is fall.

"If it wasn't for this woman lets (sic) just say I would have had a way LONGER stupid phase. I love u and thank u for not giving up on me!"

Pattie, who raised her son as a single mum, famously served as Justin's manager in the very early days of his career, until the then-12 year old's talents were spotted on YouTube.com by music executive Scooter Braun, who signed him to his new label with R&B superstar Usher, titled Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG).