A representative for a U.S. children's charity has come to the defence of John Mayer following his controversial Playboy magazine interview, describing the rocker as a "kind, caring and compassionate" person.
The singer has come under fire for comments made in the March issue of the men's magazine, in which he used the 'N' word when talking about his African-American fanbase and revealed lurid details about his sex life with ex-girlfriend Jessica Simpson.
Mayer has since apologised for his remarks and a childhood friend, Joe Beleznay, recently came forward to lend his support to the embattled star, insisting the singer/songwriter's sense of humour is misunderstood and "goes over the general public's head".
Now a spokesperson for The Isaac Foundation, which raises cash for kids diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, has also given his backing to Mayer, who has been a longtime supporter of the cause.
In a message on the foundation's website, entitled 'In Defense of John Mayer', the rep writes, "(Mayer is) someone that I have grown to respect for the kind, caring, and compassionate person that he truly is.
"I don't care what Playboy Magazine writes about the man, and I don't care what John says to the journalists that write what they do about him. I know he has said things that turn people off. I know he's said things that make him sound like someone you would never want your children around - ever. But I also know the person that he truly is and the good things he tries to accomplish with the celebrity status he's achieved.
"Write what you want about John, think what you will, but before you hand down your verdict on what kind of person he really is, please consider the good he has done in his life."
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