Why Is the Whole Industry Scooting Away From Scooter Braun?

Scooter Braun is widely recognized as a powerhouse in the music business. He is known for his role in uncovering talents such as Justin Bieber and managing the careers of major stars like Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato. But more famously, Braun is known for buying and selling the rights to Taylor Swift’s first six albums.

Recently, Scooter Braun has been in the limelight for splitting with his famous clients. Ariana Grande, Justin Beiber, and Demi Lovato have been rumored to have distanced themselves from the A-list manager, joining a small group of others who have allegedly cut ties with Braun in recent months.

Image Courtesy: Kevin Mazur/One Love Manchester

Billboard reported on August 21st that Lovato and Braun ended their four-year professional relationship. Variety confirmed the news, characterizing their separation as "amicable." Merely a few days later, representatives for BabyJake, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Asher Roth disclosed that they are no longer under the management of Braun. Broadway actress Idina Menzel has also departed from SB Projects earlier this year.

Although it has not been officially confirmed, it has been reported that long-time client Justin Bieber will be leaving Braun’s team. As of August 18th, Puck News revealed that Bieber and Braun had not communicated for several months. According to Puck News’ Matthew Belloni, Bieber was actively exploring options for a new agency or manager. Belloni then reported that Beiber and Braun’s relationship is estranged. 

Ariana Grande, who briefly fired Braun in 2016 and reportedly wrote “Jason’s Song” about him, will also be leaving Braun’s team. People had reported that Ariana Grande had ultimately outgrown Braun. Ariana Grande has also unfollowed Braun on Instagram.

But why are all these celebrities suddenly distancing themselves from Braun? Is it a PR move? Or is Braun moving away from management? When news of this all broke, Scooter took it upon himself to address the rumors, tweeting, “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.”

According to Variety, Braun intends to reduce his involvement in day-to-day management to concentrate more on his position as the CEO of HYBE America. This new role suggests that he may be dedicating less time to SB Projects. An unidentified source disclosed to Variety that this development could explain recent speculations, stating, "All of Scooter Braun's clients remain under contract, and negotiations have been in progress for several months as Scooter takes on his expanded role as HYBE America CEO. Rumors are circulating based on partial information, but they are inaccurate. Scooter's SB Projects team continues to oversee the management of both Justin and Ariana as they navigate the evolving structure."

We are still not certain exactly why all of these celebrities have left Braun’s team, but one thing is certain: Scooter certainly does not seem eager to put these rumors to rest!

P.S. Scooter, I hate you :) 

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Anjali Kamath

Boca Raton 

Anjali Kamath is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she’s not belting her heart out on karaoke she’s either at the yoga studio or spending all her money. She’s a textbook Aries and a Diet Coke enthusiast. You can reach her at anjalikamath460@gmail.com