In a recent episode of “The Diary of a CEO,” Scooter Braun, the influential music manager, shared candid insights into his career, including his complicated relationships with Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. Known for his controversial role in the music industry, Braun discussed the fallout from his acquisition of Big Machine Records, which included Swift’s master recordings, and his enduring connection with Bieber.
During the podcast, Braun addressed his infamous feud with Swift, which ignited in 2019 when he purchased Big Machine Records from Scott Borchetta for $300 million. This deal included the rights to Swift’s early music, leading to a public outcry from the singer and her fans. Reflecting on the situation, Braun responded to host Steven Bartlett’s inquiry about the “Taylor Swift incident” with a smirk, indicating his awareness of the ongoing tension.
Braun recounted his limited interactions with Swift prior to the acquisition, stating, “We had only met three or four times.” He admitted that he believed their relationship could improve after the announcement of his purchase, despite knowing she had issues with artists he managed, including Kanye West and Bieber. “I thought that once this announcement happened, she would talk to me, see who I am, and we would work together,” he said.
However, the reality was far from his expectations. Swift publicly criticized Braun shortly after the deal, leading to a significant backlash. Braun expressed his shock at Swift’s open letter on Tumblr, which detailed her feelings about the acquisition. He reflected on the experience, stating, “Everything in life is a gift,” and acknowledged that it gave him a unique perspective on public scrutiny. “The gift of pain was awareness,” he noted, emphasizing that the backlash helped him understand the challenges faced by artists.
Braun also shared how the public feud affected his personal life, particularly his marriage to Yael Cohen. The couple announced their separation in 2021, finalizing their divorce the following year. He admitted that the fallout from the Swift situation, combined with his marital struggles, was challenging. “It was hard on the marriage. It was hard on our family,” he stated, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining a public persona while dealing with personal issues.
In a revealing moment, Braun discussed a dark period during his divorce, where he experienced suicidal thoughts. “I had a suicidal thought for 20 minutes,” he recalled, expressing how he felt lost amidst the turmoil. Fortunately, he realized that his love for his children was a powerful motivator to seek help and find strength during the difficult time.
As for his relationship with Cohen now, Braun emphasized their commitment to co-parenting their three children. “We were made to come into each other’s lives, to help each other be better in different ways,” he said.
Turning to his professional ties, Braun reflected on his long-standing relationship with Justin Bieber, who parted ways with him as a manager in August 2023. Despite the split, Braun assured fans that there is “no bad blood” between them. He acknowledged Bieber’s desire to explore his own identity and career path, stating, “I think there comes a point where you want to show the world you can do it on your own.”
Braun’s journey has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations, offering a window into the complexities of fame, relationships, and the music industry. His candidness in addressing these issues highlights the often unseen struggles faced by those in the spotlight, reminding fans that behind the glitz and glamour, there are real human experiences at play.
As Braun continues to navigate his career, fans are left to ponder the evolving dynamics within the music industry, particularly as it pertains to the relationships that shape the lives of their favorite artists.