Justin Bieber could have died as Scooter Braun reveals singer's struggles with dark past

Justin Bieber's longtime manager has opened up about the pop star's struggles

Scooter Braun has revealed Justin Bieber could have died if he hadn't turned his life around.

The 21-year-old pop star's reputation took a hit following a series of damaging stories shortly after he became a worldwide star, and his talent manager has revealed how he refused to let him perform in 2013 after he released his Journals album.

"I was not going to let him work. He wanted to tour, and I honestly at that time felt, if he toured, he could die," Braun said.

He added to the New York Times: "The outsiders don't really know what was happening. It was far worse than people realize. and when he is ready, he will tell what he was going through.

"But it's a hard thing to watch someone you care and genuinely love go through that. I'm really, really happy that's over."

Comedy Roast was the turning point for the Biebs
He also opened up about how Justin turned his life around, and thanked an intern for her contribution.

"I had a meeting in the office, and I said: 'O.K., guys, these are some of my ideas. What person do you think Justin should do the intense sit-down interview with? Is it Katie Couric? Do we call Oprah and see if we can do a special?'

"And Ava [Coleman] - 21 years old, at the time an intern - she said: 'I just think my generation doesn't care about that. I think if you want people to see that he's for real, he should do a Comedy Central roast.'

"And I went: 'That is genius. Get it done.' Twenty-four hours later, I was on the phone with Comedy Central." The roast - which was staged earlier this year - was hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and showcased Justin's self-deprecating side

NHS choir battles Justin Bieber for the Xmas Number One
Scooter also admitted Justin has gone through some unpleasant experiences over the last few years and that in time, he'll reveal the depths he reached.

Read more: Justin Bieber boost set to send NHS choir to Christmas number one slot

He told the New York Times newspaper: "The outsiders don't really know what was happening. It was far worse than people realise. And when he is ready, he will tell what he was going through.

"But it's a hard thing to watch someone you care and genuinely love go through that. I'm really, really happy that's over."