Is Justin Bieber‘s mom hoping for a Jelena reunion? She’s not telling — except to say that she wants the “Boyfriend” singer to be happy, with or without on-again/off-again girlfriend Selena Gomez.
On Thursday, Feb. 7, Pattie Mallette stopped by the Today show to talk about Crescendo, the short film she executive produced. Inevitably, however, the conversation turned to Mallette’s 18-year-old pop superstar son and his romance with Gomez, 20. (The couple split shortly before New Year’s but have reportedly been spending time together in recent days.)
“Everybody watches his personal life — we know about his relationship with Selena,” Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie began. “I don’t know if moms get a vote, but are you hoping they keep it going?”
“You know, I just try and support whatever he’s wanting,” Mallette, 37, replied diplomatically. “I think [Selena is] a sweetheart, and whatever they decide is great.”
Bieber’s mom also weighed in on the scrutiny regarding her son’s choices of late. (Earlier this year, he was the subject of some controversy when TMZ posted photos of him smoking what appeared to be marijuana.) “It’s tough letting go and letting our kids make the mistakes that they need to make,” she told Guthrie. “I just have to trust that he’s made good decisions in the past, and hopefully he’s learned from some of my mistakes.”
For the moment, at least, the singer’s biggest concern is preparing for his Feb. 9 gig as the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live. “I think we’re both nervous!” Mallette said on the Today show. “He’s been rehearsing all week and practicing and helping write skits. He’s excited.”