In what appears to be part of his bid to change his negative image to the public, pop star Justin Bieber recently sat down with Billboard to talk about his personal journey into growing up with fame.

Justin Bieber: “I never wanted my mom to be disappointed in me” https://t.co/L29gsDr9Rf

— billboard (@billboard) November 6, 2015

The already serious interview took an even more serious turn when Bieber shared details about his somewhat estranged relationship with his mother, Pattie Mallette. Bieber’s close relationship with him mom is well-documented as she had been seen numerous times attending various events with her immensely famous son. His 2011 bio-documentary Never Say Never gave his fans a much closer look at their kinship.

However, the 21-year-old hit maker revealed that he and his mother have not had the same closeness for the past two years. He also attributes their “non-existing” connection to his “stupid phase,” which involved multiple brushes controversies and brushes with the law. “I was distant because I was ashamed,” Bieber said with regret. “I never wanted my mom to be disappointed in me and I knew she was.”

Mallette, who gave birth to Bieber when she was only 17 years old, raised him as a single mother when the father, Jeremy, left them when Justin was four. She would post videos of young Justin’s street performances on YouTube, a move that is said to have paved the way for the pop star’s success.

“She’s living in Hawaii now, so it’s hard, but getting better. She’s an amazing woman and I love her,” said Justin.

Meanwhile the “What Do You Mean” singer also delved into the perils of being immensely famous at a young age. He said, “”I wouldn’t suggest being a child star. It’s the toughest thing in the world.”

Justin Bieber: “I want people to be more kind to young celebrities” https://t.co/duxRz9Y6Dw pic.twitter.com/oUnwNuxmfe — Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) November 5, 2015

Justin appealed to the media and public to be “more kind to young celebrities” and not judge them by what they see in photos or hear on TV.

Admitting that he got “close to letting [fame] complete destroy him,” he reflected that it was people like his mother and manager, Scooter Braun, who helped him get back on track.