Scooter Braun defends his role in Taylor Swift's controversy

In the United States, Scooter Braun expressed his shock regarding the fallout with Taylor Swift following his acquisition of her former label, Big Machine Label Group, in 2019. He believed the purchase would enable him to work collaboratively with the artists on the label, including Swift. However, Swift’s public reaction indicated deep disappointment, where she described feeling 'sad' and 'grossed out,' accusing Braun of engaging in 'manipulative bullying.' Braun reflected on the misunderstanding he had about Swift’s likely perception of him due to his management of other high-profile artists like Kanye West and Justin Bieber, with whom she had conflicts. During a discussion on the podcast Diary of a CEO, Braun acknowledged his misunderstanding of the situation, recognizing his arrogance for thinking Swift would want to connect following the news of his acquisition. He noted that they had only met a handful of times before this incident, and presuming a positive dialogue would arise was misplaced. Braun shared that he viewed the ensuing controversy as an opportunity for personal growth and empathy, aligning it as a 'gift' that highlighted the challenges faced by artists in the industry. The ongoing dispute has sparked broader conversations about artist rights and ownership, notably prompting Taylor Swift to commit to re-recording her past albums in an effort to regain control over her music. Since announcing her intention to re-record, Swift has released updated versions of some of her earlier albums, aiming to reclaim ownership of her work and counteract the negative implications of Braun’s acquisition of her masters. This effort reflects not just a quest for ownership but also a response to the criticisms surrounding artists' rights in the music industry. As he discussed his journey, Braun admitted feeling guilt over not fully understanding the pressures and backgrounds of the young artists he manages. He emphasized how personal struggles and mental health issues are often amplified in high-profile careers and expressed regret for not having the self-awareness to consider the unique challenges faced by artists like Swift. Braun concluded by acknowledging that neither praise nor criticism would define him, as many struggled to see beyond their public personas, and he now prioritizes empathy and understanding in his professional relationships.