Title: Music Manager Scooter Braun Faces Client Exodus Amid Controversies
Subtitle: Taylor Swift feud and new focus on K-pop giants BTS allegedly lead to client departures
Date: [Current Date]
In a surprising turn of events, music mega-manager Scooter Braun is reportedly experiencing an exodus of clients this week as several stars have allegedly decided to sever ties with him. Braun, known for launching the careers of pop sensations such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, is facing challenges on multiple fronts.
Controversy first struck Braun in 2019 when Taylor Swift publicly accused him of being a “bully” and the “definition of a toxic male privilege in our industry.” The dispute arose when Braun acquired the master recordings of Swift’s first six studio albums, which she had hoped to purchase herself. Subsequently, the manager sold the masters to an investment fund in a deal worth over $300 million (£234 million). In response, Swift embarked on a successful mission to re-record her albums, aiming to regain control over her original recordings.
While it remains unclear why Braun’s clients are parting ways with him, sources close to the matter have indicated that he is stepping back from day-to-day management to focus on his role as CEO of HYBE America, the South Korean entertainment company behind K-pop phenomenon BTS. The stars who have left Braun’s management have yet to comment publicly on their decisions.
Braun himself reacted cryptically to the news on Twitter, seemingly mocking the reports. Despite this, the list of celebrities reportedly leaving his management continues to grow. Here are some of the notable departures:
Idina Menzel:
Idina Menzel, known for her musical successes and particularly for the hit song “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen,” was connected with Braun in 2019. She posted a selfie on Twitter, announcing her partnership with him. It is now understood that she has severed ties with Braun.
Demi Lovato:
Demi Lovato, the “Heart Attack” singer, joined Braun’s management team in 2019. Expressing her excitement on Instagram, Lovato mentioned that she had fulfilled a dream by partnering with Braun. However, the current reports suggest that she is now seeking new management.
J Balvin:
Renowned Colombian superstar J Balvin left Braun’s management in May 2022 and joined Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Balvin’s goal with this move is to inspire other Latinos to pursue their dreams and uplift their communities.
Ariana Grande:
According to Billboard, Ariana Grande has apparently cut ties with Braun after ten years of collaboration. While unnamed sources close to Braun have vehemently denied the report, sources from People have confirmed that Grande is ready for a new direction in her career, though negotiations regarding contracts are still ongoing.
Justin Bieber:
Recent rumors suggested that Justin Bieber, who has worked with Braun for 16 years, was also parting ways with the manager. However, representatives for both Bieber and Braun have denied the reports. A source close to Braun stated that negotiations have been underway for several months due to Braun’s transition into his new role as HYBE America CEO.
As controversies continue to surround Braun, the music industry waits eagerly to learn the full extent of the client exodus and its impact.