The 'Troublemaker' singer has said he wants to give the former 'X Factor' winner "the benefit of the doubt" following criticisms bought against the star for using a homophobic slur in a rap song he wrote in response to a feud with British MC Micky Worthless.
Olly - who appeared as a host on the 'Xtra Factor' during James stint on the ITV talent show - said: "To be fair to James he did comment and he made a very good statement saying, 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say it',
"There's always artists out there that cause controversy... at the moment he's going through a tough time. I just think sometimes when your back's against the wall you just say things and you probably don't mean it. So I give him the benefit of the doubt."
James has since cancelled off a number of upcoming appearances with his representatives sighting "acute exhaustion", and Olly thinks the time off will help the star to refocus on his music.
Olly added to Digital Spy: "Look, he's got a couple of weeks off I suppose to get himself back to scratch. He's a talented lad, he's got a great voice, great ability and hopefully he bounces back."
Tagged in Olly Murs James Arthur