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Who is Scooter Braun and why are so many artists abandoning him?

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Ayaan Paul
Ayaan PaulAug 23, 2023 | 14:40

Who is Scooter Braun and why are so many artists abandoning him?

A seismic shift is currently unfolding in the music industry as a slew of high-profile celebrities are cutting ties with infamous music manager Scooter Braun. This exodus of major artists has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, prompting a closer examination of Braun's relationships with his clients, his response to the rumors, and his history of controversies and feuds.

This dance of departures kicked off with none other than Justin Bieber himself. If we dial back to a time when Bieber's voice hadn't yet lowered and Baby was everyone's guilty pleasure, we'll find the genesis of Bieber's bromance with Braun. It all started with a serendipitous stumble on YouTube in 2006, when Braun discovered the pint-sized prodigy.

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The manager's guidance and support catapulted Bieber to unprecedented fame. Thus, news of Bieber's alleged departure from Braun's management resonated deeply. 

And when Bieber sneezes, Beliebers catch a cold. So, you can imagine the uproar when reports from Puck magazine claimed that Bieber and Braun were no longer on speaking terms.

  • The internet went into meltdown mode, as fans held their breath waiting for either party to spill the tea. But alas, all they got were reps from both sides slamming the rumor mill shut. 

Just as the dust was settling on the Bieber-bumps-Braun rumor rollercoaster, the latest grande-sized revelation emerged. Demi Lovato, who'd been riding the Braun train since 2019, was hopping off at the next station.

  • Their professional alliance, forged in 2019, had flourished for four years. While the exact reasons for the separation were not disclosed, sources close to the matter emphasized the amiability of the split. 

This marked departure raised questions about the underlying dynamics within Braun's management company. Despite the professional divergence, Braun's recent social media post commemorating Lovato's birthday underscored a sense of mutual respect and goodwill between the two.

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The roster of artists reportedly parting ways with Braun expanded to encompass additional notable names, including Ariana Grande and most recently, Idina Menzel. This trend prompted industry insiders to ponder the motivations behind the Braun Exodus. 

Opinions varied widely, shedding light on different facets of Braun's career and management approach. 

  • Some sources suggested that Braun might be "imploding," alluding to potential internal conflicts and management challenges. 
  • In contrast, other insiders posited that Braun had been gradually withdrawing from management responsibilities over the years.

Meanwhile, Braun himself seems to be unfazed in his reactions to the news. On Twitter, he dropped a bombshell: "Breaking news... I’m no longer managing myself." A self-deprecating wink to the swirling rumors.

Adding some visual spice, he shared pics from his Irish escapade, captioned "Carpe diem :)." 

Braun's journey in the music industry has been characterized by both triumphs and controversies. One of the most notable conflicts involved his highly publicized feud with Taylor Swift. 

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The discord stemmed from Braun's acquisition of Taylor Swift's former label, Big Machine Records, which included the master recordings of her earlier albums. Swift vocally expressed her dissatisfaction at not being afforded the opportunity to own her own work.

"For years, I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead, I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and 'earn' one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in. I walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future."
- Taylor Swift wrote in her Tumblr post

The controversy led to a profound impact on Swift's relationship with her own discography. In response, she embarked on a mission to re-record her earlier albums, symbolizing her quest to regain artistic control and ownership.

She has since released “Taylor’s Version” re-records of Red, Fearless and Speak Now, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) coming in October. Swift is expected to release re-records for the remaining two albums, Reputation (Taylor’s Version) and her 2006 self-titled debut album.

Despite the tensions, Braun's professional portfolio extends beyond the Swift feud. He currently holds the position of CEO at Hybe America, a major South Korean entertainment conglomerate that oversees the global phenomenon and K-Pop powerhouse that is BTS. 

In the end, the whirlwind of departures, the enigma of Braun's future, and the juicy feuds all blend into the gossip-fueled tapestry of the music industry. But if one thing’s for sure, its that it looks like Taylor got her last laugh after all.

Last updated: August 23, 2023 | 14:40
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