Scooter Braun Reacts to Artists Leaving His Music Management Firm
In the music industry, change is constant, and this week has seen a flurry of reports about stars leaving Scooter Braun’s music management firm. The first artist to reportedly part ways with Braun was Justin Bieber, but representatives for both Bieber and Braun have denied these claims, leaving fans unsure of the true state of their professional relationship.
However, according to sources, it appears that Demi Lovato and “Frozen” star Idina Menzel have indeed exited Braun’s SB Projects. Additionally, Ariana Grande has reportedly cut ties with Braun, joining Colombian superstar J Balvin who also left SB Projects back in May of this year. Despite these developments, Braun has yet to provide any official comment or confirmation regarding the departures.
On Tuesday, Braun broke his silence on Twitter/X and seemed to poke fun at the numerous memes and jokes circulating online about the number of people leaving his firm. In a lighthearted message, he wrote, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.” This tweet added fuel to the fire of speculation but did little to quell the rumors.
However, insiders revealed that Braun’s apparent nonchalance actually reflects his shifting focus towards his role as CEO of HYBE America, the South Korean entertainment company behind K-pop sensations BTS. Variety reports that Braun will be stepping back from day-to-day management to concentrate on his duties at HYBE America. A source close to the situation clarified that Braun’s team at SB Projects will continue handling Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande as they navigate this new structure.
It’s worth noting that Braun’s name has been synonymous with controversy since 2019 when he acquired Taylor Swift’s longtime label, Big Machine Records, along with the master recordings of her first six studio albums. Swift publicly condemned Braun’s actions, deeming him a “bully” and accusing him of representing toxic male privilege in the music industry. In November 2020, Braun sold the masters to an investment fund for over $300 million.
In response to the ongoing feud with Swift, Braun expressed regret during an interview with NPR, calling it a “learning lesson.” He stated that he had assumed everyone involved would recognize his intentions and character once the deal was completed. Swift countered with claims that Braun had refused to quote her team a price and requested she sign a non-disclosure agreement that would effectively silence her.
Despite the ups and downs, Braun remains a significant figure in the music industry. With his increasing focus on HYBE America and the continued management of top talents like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, it seems that he is determined to adapt and thrive amidst the ever-changing landscape of the music business.
So, while reports of stars leaving his music management firm continue to circulate, only time will tell how Scooter Braun will navigate this new chapter in his career. For now, fans and industry insiders can only speculate about the future of his firm and the artists under his wing.