Scooter Braun speaks of ‘shock’ over Taylor Swift’s attack
3 min read
Braun Reacts to Swift’s Outrage
The music mogul opens up about being caught off guard by Taylor Swift’s backlash.
Scooter Braun has revealed he was “shocked” by Taylor Swift’s scathing reaction to his 2019 acquisition of her first six studio albums. The former talent manager, who purchased Swift’s former label Big Machine Records, had expected the deal to be a cause for celebration, not controversy.
A Deal Meant to Excite
Braun believed he was entering a positive new phase with the artists involved.
“When I bought Big Machine, I thought it was going to be exciting,” Braun shared on the Diary of a CEO podcast. He expected to collaborate with all the artists on the label, including Swift, whom he had met a few times and assumed he had a respectful rapport with.
Taylor’s Explosive Tumblr Response
Swift publicly denounced the acquisition, citing past grievances.
Shortly after the sale, Swift took to Tumblr to express her disgust, saying she felt “sad and grossed out.” She accused Braun of “incessant, manipulative bullying,” referencing his associations with Kanye West and Justin Bieber—artists with whom she had public disputes.
A History of Tension
Past feuds with West and Bieber likely fueled Swift’s distrust of Braun.
Braun acknowledged Swift’s strained history with West—who infamously interrupted her 2009 MTV acceptance speech—and Bieber, whose relationship with Swift had long been rumored to be rocky. Braun admitted he sensed possible tension, especially given his role as manager to both artists.
Hoping for Dialogue
Braun believed they could have worked together despite past conflicts.
Despite sensing potential friction, Braun hoped Swift would reach out for a conversation. “This is where my arrogance came in,” he admitted. “I thought she would talk to me, see who I am, and we would work together.” Instead, Swift’s viral post blindsided him.
The Fallout
Braun describes being emotionally impacted by the controversy.
“When that Tumblr post came out, I was just shocked,” Braun said. The backlash, he explained, was a turning point. It exposed him to a level of global scrutiny he hadn’t experienced before, forcing him to reckon with fame’s double-edged sword.
A Lesson in Empathy
Music executive says he was blindsided by Swift’s reaction, but the experience taught him empathy.
Criticism led Braun to a deeper understanding of public pressure.
“Everything in life is a gift,” Braun reflected. The intense criticism gave him a new perspective on what his own clients went through. “All the praise before wasn’t fully deserved, and all the hate afterward wasn’t either,” he noted, stressing that many didn’t know the real him—including Swift.
Letting Go of Control
Braun decided to sell Swift’s masters and move on from the ordeal.
Eventually, Braun chose to sell the master recordings, accepting that public opinion was beyond his control. “I can’t worry about everyone’s niece being mad at me,” he said. He now views the experience as a personal and professional turning point.
Swift Reclaims Her Work
The singer finally gains full ownership of her original albums.
In a major victory for her artistic autonomy, Taylor Swift has repurchased the rights to her first six studio albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989, and Reputation. She shared the news joyfully, calling it a dream come true.
CHECK ALSO| Sly Stone, Pioneering Funk Icon, Passes Away at 81
Clarifying the Costs
Rumors swirl about the deal’s value, but the real price remains private.
Though the masters were previously sold for $300 million in 2020, the exact figure Swift paid remains undisclosed. The BBC reported that estimates ranging from $600 million to $1 billion are likely exaggerated.
Taylor’s Version Triumphs
Her re-recordings challenge the industry and empower artists.
Swift’s response to losing her masters was bold: she began re-recording her original albums. These “Taylor’s Versions” have proven immensely successful, often outperforming the originals and including exclusive tracks. To date, she has re-released four of the six albums.
About The Author
