Scooter Braun – live: Confusion as more artists reportedly join Ariana Grande in leaving music mogul

Music manager posted a tongue-in-cheek response to reports that some of his clients are splitting from SB Projects

Taylor Swift slams Scooter Braun, ‘poisonous male privilege’ in Billboard speech

Scooter Braun, one of the world’s biggest music managers, appeared unbothered at reports this week that two of his star clients have parted ways with him.

This week, it was claimed that pop star Demi Lovato and singer, actor and West End star Idina Menzel had exited Braun’s SB projects. Sources close to both artists confirmed this to The Independent.

The Independent has contacted Braun’s representatives for comment.

Rumours have been circulating that pop singer Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, both of whom have been with Braun since they launched their debut albums, are also set to split from the 42-year-old’s management services.

However, Bieber and Braun’s representatives denied the pair were severing professional ties.

On Twitter/X on Tuesday (22 August), Braun broke his silence by poking fun at the speculation, writing: “Breaking news… I’m no longer managing myself.”

Key Points

• All the stars who have reportedly parted ways with Scooter Braun
• Demi Lovato splits from manager Scooter Braun amid Justin Bieber rumours
• Scooter Braun reacts to Idina Menzel and Demi Lovato departures
• Ariana Grande ‘parts ways with longtime manager Scooter Braun’

[23 August 2023 14:03 · Peony Hirwani]

All the stars who have reportedly parted ways with Scooter Braun

Music mega-manager Scooter Braun is facing an exodus of clients this week as multiple stars reportedly rescind his services.

Below are all the clients to have reportedly left Braun’s management.

[23 August 2023 13:43 · Peony Hirwani]

Some sources have told Variety that Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande aren’t leaving Scooter Braun’s company, but rather the manager is continuing to step back from day-to-day management to focus on his role as CEO of HYBE America.

“All of Scooter Braun’s clients are under contract and negotiations have been going on for several months as Scooter steps into his larger role as HYBE America CEO,” the source said. “People are spreading rumors based on what they know, but they are off. Scooter’s team at SB Projects are still handling both Justin and Ariana as they work through what this new structure looks like.”

However, other sources insist that Bieber, who recently “cleaned house” and brought in a new attorney, agency, and business manager, is set on leaving SB Projects.

[23 August 2023 13:23 · Peony Hirwani]

In April 2021, BTS’s record label HYBE merged with Ithaca Holdings, Scooter Braun’s company that managed former clients including Ariana Grande.

As reported by Variety, HYBE (formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment) bought a 100 per cent stake in Ithaca Holdings through its subsidiary HYBE America.

The sale included SB Projects and its clients such as Bieber, Grande and Demi Lovato, as well as Taylor Swift’s former record label Big Machine Label Group (BMLG).

[23 August 2023 13:03 · Peony Hirwani]

Demi Lovato splits from manager Scooter Braun

Demi Lovato is parting ways with mega-manager Scooter Braun, The Independent understands.

On Monday (21 August), Billboard was the first to report that Lovato was seeking new management after splitting with Braun’s SB Projects last month.

The 31-year-old “Heart Attack” singer signed with Braun in 2019, writing on Instagram at the time: “Dreams came true for me. I officially have a NEW MANAGER. And not just any manager but the one and only Scooter Braun.

“Couldn’t be happier, inspired and excited to begin this next chapter,” she continued. “Thank you for believing in me and for being a part of this new journey.”

Lovato joins popular Columbian singer J Balvin who also left Braun’s management in May this year.

[23 August 2023 12:43 · Peony Hirwani]

Idina Menzel becomes latest star to ‘part ways’ with Scooter Braun’s management

Idina Menzel has become the latest star to exit Scooter Braun’s management amid an exodus of talent, The Independent understands.

On Tuesday (22 August), The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report that Menzel had cut ties with Braun, citing a source close to the Tony-winning star. Menzel’s representatives declined to comment further on the report.

Despite being an actor, Menzel, 52, is known for her musical success, going nine times platinum for “Let It Go”, Elsa’s anthem in Disney’s 2013 smash hit Frozen.

[23 August 2023 12:23 · Peony Hirwani]

In 2020, Scooter Braun spoke about his “regrets” over the way his acquisition of Taylor Swift’s longtime label in 2019 led to a feud between the two.

[23 August 2023 12:03 · Peony Hirwani]

Braun has famously been embroiled in a feud with Taylor Swift since 2019, when he purchased her longtime label, Big Machine Records and become the owner of the master recordings of her first six studio albums.

In November 2020, Braun sold the masters to an investment fund in a deal believed to be more than $300m (£234m).

At the time of the sale, Swift – who had wished to buy the masters herself – condemned Braun and called him a “bully” and the “definition of a toxic male privilege in our industry”.

The singer, 33, was inspired to re-record her earlier music, resulting in her ongoing Taylor’s Version series.

So far she has recorded: Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).

The latest instalment 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is scheduled to arrive on 27 October.

[23 August 2023 11:43 · Peony Hirwani]

From Taylor Swift feud to Justin Bieber claims: Who is Scooter Braun and why are stars clients leaving him?

Scooter Braun cut his teeth as a party promoter in Atlanta before signing rising star Justin Bieber and setting off a meteoric rise. Now as megastars like Ariana Grande appear to flee his roster, Sheila Flynn looks back at the media mogul’s journey from night clubs to boardrooms.

[23 August 2023 11:23 · Peony Hirwani]

Scooter Braun reacts to Idina Menzel and Demi Lovato departures

Scooter Braun has reacted to multiple reports of stars leaving his music management firm this week.

Justin Bieber was the first artist to reportedly part ways with the mogul last week; however, representatives for both Bieber and Braun have since denied the reports.

The Independent understands that Demi Lovato and Frozen star Idina Menzel have exited Braun’s SB Projects. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande has reportedly cut ties with Braun. Colombian superstar J Balvin also departed SB Projects in May this year.

[23 August 2023 10:54 · Peony Hirwani]

All the stars who have reportedly parted ways with Scooter Braun: ‘Thank u, next’

Music mega-manager Scooter Braun is facing an exodus of clients this week as multiple stars reportedly rescind his services.

It is thus far unclear why Braun’s clients are leaving him; though, sources have told Variety that he is stepping back from day-to-day management to focus on his role as CEO of HYBE America, the South Korean entertainment company behind K-pop giant BTS. None of the stars to have left his management have commented publicly on their decisions.