Dizzee Rascal offers Doherty support

Rex Features

Dizzee Rascal has called Pete Doherty a "genius" and offered him his full support.

The UK hip-hop star has defended Doherty from criticism about his drug habits, claiming that he has a "good heart".

Rascal told the Daily Star: "Pete has a good heart. I support him all the way. You can see it in his eyes that he’s a good person and I respect the effect his music has had on a generation.

"Everyone is aware he is a major talent, even a genius."

The rapper also claimed that best way to help Doherty go clean is to support him.

He said: "Drugs are f****d. I’ve seen how they can take a grip of people. We need to be supportive of Pete and people in his situation. This industry is rife with drugs.

"The way I handle the temptation is everything in moderation. I don’t inject and I don’t sniff."