Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie has urged the media to leave troubled stars, recovering from substance abuse and alcohol problems, a break.
The My Humps star told US magazine that she empathised with celebrities in their twenties who were trying to recover from their problems, while being in the full glare of the press.
Fergie, who recently won female artist of the year at the MTV video music awards, told the magazine that media coverage harmed a person's recovery.
"I think it is really unfair to them when they are trying to get help. We're all watching as a nation and commenting day by day on their rehabilitation. It's not fair.
"You're supposed to have a sanctuary, a place where you can go and not be pressured every day," she added.
The child-star, who had addiction problems in her twenties herself, has previously expressed support for actress Lindsay Lohan, who is currently in her third spell at a rehabilitation centre.
Fergie added that public attention did not encourage celebrities to give up their bad habits.
She told the magazine: "They're young…I was young when I went through my stuff. Leave them alone. If they want to get better, they're going to get better on their own."
