Though the world knows Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean as the tattooed, flirtatious bad boy of the hit-making heartthrobs, his mother tells ABCNEWS' 20/20 that she knows him as "gentle" and "insecure" Alex.

As the Backstreet Boys achieved immense fame, Denise McLean says, Alex retreated into the A.J. persona, in part to escape his insecurities and emotional distress.

"He just ... got smothered by A.J.," she says. "He just got lost in the hype ... the drinking ... the lifestyle, the fame. It just ... pushed Alex out."

Tune in to 20/20's exclusive interview with Backstreet mom Denise McLean and join her in a live chat Monday, August 13, at 1:30 p.m. ET.

You'll have to sign in to post a question. You should check back on Monday for the chat!

Here's the link:

http://www.abcnews.go.com/chat/backstreetmom_intro.html