Simon Cowell gave advice to tons of young hopefuls season after season on American Idol, and now he's prepping for auditions for his U.S. version of X Factor.

J-14 Magazine talked exclusively to the famous judge just minutes ago about how artists' personal lives can get in the way of their careers. And Simon offered advice to Chris Brown, whose alleged recent violent outburst after his Good Morning America appearance with Robin Roberts on Tuesday morning has left him in hot water. (Chris has since apologized on BET's 106 and Park.)

READ IT: Exclusive Q&A with Simon Cowell

"From the outside, this is obviously having a horrible effect on him — and if he did what he's accused of, he needs to apologize," Simon tells J-14 Magazine exclusively.

"It's very difficult when you don't hear exactly what happened, but I think most people are forgiving if you're sincere about it," Simon added to J-14. "But you can't blame people for asking the question. Again, because if you're in the public eye, that's what happens. You can't freak out like that."

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Photo: Courtesy of Fox, Courtesy of ABC

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