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Lionel Richie has defended R&B bad boy Chris Brown during an interview backstage at the BET Awards.

Fresh from his Lifetime Achievement win at the ceremony on Sunday (June 29), the legendary recording artist was quizzed about Breezy's recent time behind bars, to which he replied to Associated Press: "I think he's great.

[related]"I just think that again, we go through our ups and downs and our struggles, but his talent, his talent is undeniable."

He added: "It's just I just want him to just land and make sure he enjoys the second half of his talent. Because he's too gifted. He'll be all right. He's just going through his changes."