What Happened With Scooter Braun? Why is Everyone Leaving Scooter Braun?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Aug 22, 2023
What Happened With Scooter Braun?
In June 2019, Scooter Braun's media company, Ithaca Holdings, made a significant acquisition by purchasing the Big Machine Label Group for a hefty sum of $300 million. This strategic move also entailed the acquisition of Taylor Swift's music catalog for her first six albums under the Big Machine label. The transaction, backed by the global investment firm The Carlyle Group, drew swift attention and set the stage for a series of dramatic events.
Swift's response to the deal was anything but favorable. She unleashed her fury, accusing Scooter Braun of long-term bullying and manipulation. Her grievances extended to both Braun and Scott Borchetta, the former CEO of Big Machine, as they appeared to thwart her attempts to regain control over her master recordings.
In a powerful display of support, Swift's devoted fan base, lovingly referred to as Swifties, rallied behind her cause. They boycotted Braun's enterprises and inundated his social media platforms with critical messages.
Fast forward to November 2020, when Scooter Braun made a significant move to sell the master rights to Taylor Swift's first six albums for a staggering sum of $300 million. Interestingly, the buyer of these rights was an investment fund that bore no affiliation with Taylor herself.
In response to these events, Taylor Swift embarked on a bold campaign to re-record her initial six albums, a mission she undertook with fervor. Two re-recorded albums, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" and "Red (Taylor's Version)," have already been released, marking her reclaiming of creative control.
In the midst of this ongoing saga, Scooter Braun issued apologies for his actions in the past, expressing regret for his handling of the situation with Swift. He emphasized his commitment to repairing the relationship with her.
The highly publicized feud between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun has become one of the most prominent celebrity conflicts of recent years. Beyond its entertainment value, it sparked a broader conversation about the dynamics of the music industry and the influence wielded by record labels. It has also heightened awareness regarding artists' rights to ownership of their own master recordings.
As of August 2023, reports emerged that several of Braun's clients, including Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and J Balvin, have chosen to sever their ties with him. Although the exact reasons for their departures remain shrouded in mystery, speculations suggest potential dissatisfaction with his managerial approach or a desire for greater artistic autonomy.
Why is Everyone Leaving Scooter Braun?
In 2019, Taylor Swift and her longtime manager Scooter Braun went their separate ways, sparking a series of disputes. Allegations arose that Braun hindered Swift's ability to reclaim her music from Big Machine Records, which he had acquired. This ignited legal battles, led to Swift re-recording her past works, and cast a shadow over Braun's reputation.
In October 2022, Swift released "Vigilante Shit," a track from her tenth studio album, Midnights, seemingly aimed at Braun. This song's lyrics have recently resurfaced on social media, coinciding with news of other music luminaries, such as Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, leaving Braun's management.
J Balvin ended a four-year partnership with Braun due to creative differences. Shortly afterward, both Demi Lovato and Ariana Grande also severed ties with Braun, though specifics remain undisclosed.
Lovato's journey with Braun began in 2019, marked by her excitement and inspiration in a now-deleted Instagram post. However, in July 2023, she parted ways, reportedly seeking new management on amicable terms.
Similarly, Ariana Grande's association with Braun dates back to 2013 when he helped release her debut album. Their rapport extended beyond business, as he supported her through challenging times.
Though Lovato and Grande haven't publicly confirmed the reasons behind their departures, speculation links their decisions to the perceived "white-collar" issues Taylor Swift addressed in "Vigilante Shit."
In this dynamic landscape of music industry relationships, Braun's name has become synonymous with controversy, inspiring fan discussions and intrigue about the true stories behind these exits.
Why is Demi Lovato Leaving Scooter Braun?
Demi Lovato's departure from Scooter Braun's management is characterized by amicability, according to a report by Billboard. As Lovato sets her sights on fresh horizons, she navigates the transition while simultaneously preparing to release her upcoming album, "Revamped," featuring re-recorded renditions of her earlier rock songs.
Reflecting on her musical journey, Lovato shared insights into her evolving perspective. Songs that once stirred memories of heartbreak have taken on new significance. "It’s just different. I think as you grow, you move on from the situations, and the songs mean different things to you," Lovato expressed to Rolling Stone.
Back in 2019, the singer publicly celebrated her collaboration with Scooter Braun, sharing an Instagram photo of the momentous contract signing. "Dreams came true today for me," Lovato proclaimed. Yet, this chapter is now reaching its conclusion as she seeks new representation for her artistry.
During the controversy sparked by Taylor Swift's accusations against Scooter Braun regarding the sale of her masters, Demi Lovato stood as a staunch defender of her manager. She vehemently affirmed that Braun wasn't among the "bad people" she encountered in the industry, proclaiming his character as commendable. In the face of negativity, Lovato displayed her allegiance to her team, emphasizing the value of loyalty.
In the documentary "Dancing With The Devil," Braun recounted the significant role he played in Lovato's journey. From a professional standpoint, he evolved into more than just a manager; he became a friend and a guide, offering support when she needed it the most.
As Demi Lovato embarks on a new phase of her career, the threads of her relationship with Scooter Braun are gently untangled, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Artists Under the Guidance of Scooter Braun
Here's an overview of the artists under the guidance of Scooter Braun and his management company:
J Balvin parted ways with Braun in May after signing with the manager in 2019. Braun's journey with Bieber began when he discovered Bieber's 2007 YouTube cover of "So Sick" by Ne-Yo. They collaborated under the banner of Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a partnership between Braun and Usher.
Together, they focused on establishing a platform. In Braun's words from a 2011 Forbes interview, "We built his YouTube channel over three years. He had a bigger YouTube channel before we even did a record deal with Usher. All the statistics pointed at the internet, and kids are spending more time on the internet as opposed to TV and radio. YouTube is bare bones and all we did was use a flip video camera."
He went on to commend Bieber's talent, saying, "Justin is truly talented. He is that special superstar that you see once in a lifetime. He plays four instruments, self-taught. He showed that on his YouTube channel. He had an incredible tone in his voice. The secret to the marketing was to keep it organic and authentic. Make the kids realize that it’s theirs."
In the aftermath of the UK concert bombing incident involving Ariana Grande, Braun conveyed his role as a friend and supporter, saying, "I feel like it’s the responsibility of being there for someone. At that moment, I had to be there for my friend. And we had to stand next to each other, and I had to be supported."
Who is Scooter Braun?
Scooter Braun is a prominent American entrepreneur, music executive, and influential business magnate. He is widely recognized as the visionary behind ventures like SB Projects, Schoolboy Records, and Ithaca Ventures. Additionally, he co-founded TQ Ventures, Mythos Studios, and RBMG Records, while also holding a stake in the esports team 100 Thieves. Leading the helm of HYBE-America, Braun holds the pivotal role of CEO in this significant media company.
Notably, Braun's renown stems from his role as a manager for notable music icons such as Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, J Balvin, and The Kid Laroi. His diverse portfolio also extends to strategic investments in groundbreaking technology companies like Uber, Spotify, and Dropbox.
Born in New York City in 1981, Braun commenced his journey as a marketing executive at So So Def Recordings. In 2007, he launched his independent management entity, SB Projects, with Justin Bieber as his first major discovery. This partnership catapulted Bieber to global stardom and marked the ascent of SB Projects as a powerhouse in the music industry.
Amid his successes, Braun has encountered his fair share of controversies. Most notably, in 2019, he acquired Taylor Swift's music catalog from Big Machine Label Group, which led to a bitter dispute. Swift accused Braun of long-standing bullying and manipulation, rallying an outpouring of support from her fans. Despite the disagreements, Braun has expressed regret and issued apologies for the handling of the situation with Swift.
Unquestionably, Braun remains a formidable force within the music realm, renowned for his dynamic business strategies and his unflinching willingness to embrace risks. His keen knack for recognizing and nurturing emerging talent has garnered praise, solidifying his influence in the industry.
A pivotal turn came in 2021 when Braun's media empire, Ithaca Holdings, was acquired by HYBE Corporation, the parent company of K-pop sensation BTS. This momentous transaction elevated Braun's position as one of the preeminent figures in the global entertainment landscape, further underscoring his profound impact on the industry.
What Happened With Scooter Braun - FAQs
The controversy involving Scooter Braun revolves around his acquisition of Taylor Swift's music catalog from Big Machine Label Group in 2019, which led to a bitter dispute between them.
Taylor Swift and her fans were furious about the acquisition, with Swift accusing Braun of bullying and manipulating her. Her fans rallied around her in support, and the controversy attracted widespread attention.
Scooter Braun has apologized for his actions in the past and expressed regret over the way he handled the situation with Taylor Swift. He has acknowledged the backlash and the negative impact it had on their relationship.
Scooter Braun has managed several high-profile artists, including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, J Balvin, and The Kid Laroi.
Scooter Braun discovered Justin Bieber on YouTube in 2007 and became his manager. This partnership helped propel Bieber to international stardom and marked a significant milestone in Braun's career.