Fergie has defended young Hollywood hellraisers Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.
The Black Eyed Peas singer - who battled an addiction to dangerous drug crystal meth in her 20s - understands what the troubled stars are going through.
Speaking at a Conde Nast Fashion Rocks event in New York, she said: "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."
Fergie believes the constant public scrutiny of 25-year-old Britney and 21-year-old Lindsay's private lives is badly hindering their recovery and is adamant they need space to get better.
She added: "If somebody is going to change, they have to want to do it themselves. I think it is really unfair to them when they are trying to get help. We're all watching 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."
Mother-of-two Britney - who entered rehab earlier this year shortly after shaving all her hair off - had a disastrous comeback performance at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night (09.09.07), amid reports she is using drugs.
Lindsay has entered rehab for a third time after admitting in a statement she was addicted to alcohol and drugs when she received a one day jail sentence for driving under the influence. | 
