Scooter Braun, who managed Justin Bieber and feuded with Taylor Swift over masters dispute, RETIRES from music management
Following a prolific 23-year career overseeing the likes of Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun has announced his retirement from music management.
Braun, 42, released a statement announcing the end of his 'chapter' as music manager - as he sets forth on his new role as a board member of Hybe and CEO of Hybe America.
His statement began: '23 years ago a 19 year old kid started managing an artist named Cato in Atlanta, GA and my journey began. Along the way I have had so many experiences I could never have dreamt of.
'I have been blessed to have had a "Forrest Gump"-like life while witnessing and taking part in the journeys of some of the most extraordinarily talented people the world has ever seen. I’m constantly pinching myself and asking "how did I get here?" And after 23 years this chapter as a music manager has come to an end.'
News of Scooter's retirement comes after he lost clients such as Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Demi Lovato.
Following a prolific 23-year career overseeing the likes of Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, Scooter Braun has announced his retirement from music management
Scooter, who shares three children with his ex-wife Yael Cohen, cited his kids as the primary reason he decided to leave the business.
'My entire adult life I played the role of an artist manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And for 20 years I loved it. It's all I had known. But as my children got older, and my personal life took some hits, I came to the realization that my kids were 3 superstars I wasn't willing to lose. The sacrifices I was once willing to make I could no longer justify. It was time to step into a new role.'
Braun then addressed his next career move - as the CEO of Hybe America last year. Variety reported last year that Braun became sole CEO of the company.
'In this next chapter, I have been honored to join as a board member of Hybe and serve as the CEO of Hybe America. My brilliant partner these past 3 years, Chairman Bang, has a vision I truly believe in. But even beyond that he has become a true friend who understands where I must be in my life these days. And that is a father first, a CEO second, and a manager no more.'
He reflected on his incredible career working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande.
'Justin and Ariana were both young teenagers when I began with them,' he wrote. 'To see them both come up to be the legends they are today will forever be one of my greatest honors. As we change our working relationships now, I will continue to root for them with the same passion that I did at each of their humble beginnings.
'I remember the pranks and the water park shows with Justin, and the first time Ari opened an arena tour and her excitement side stage. I remember as they both stepped up for others and I got to witness them each change the world and make history. There will never be a day where I don't take great pride and honor in what we accomplished together. The same can be said for so many I have had the pleasure of once being called "manager."'
He reflected on his incredible career working alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande
Grande is no longer managed by Braun but continues working with him
Braun infamously became embroiled in a dispute with Taylor Swift over her masters; Swift pictured 2023
Braun's statement also alluded to controversies he faced during his time as music manager, however he did not specifically name them.
'There has been a lot said about what is happening in our company… and in my career. When we had success I smiled, and when we were attacked I tried to always take the high road.
'But for the last 3 years I have begun to feel that taking the high road has created confusion and ambiguity as to who we are. I may have left my role in management, and my business relationship with many clients will alter and change, but this does not mean we as a company are leaving.
'Both Allison Kaye and Jennifer McDaniels are more than capable to lead and as we combine new resources the opportunities with their leadership are endless. These two incredibly powerful women will now step into a role that I know will grow into the most impressive women-led management business our industry has even seen. While my name may have been on the door all these years, the truth is there is no one as brilliant as Allison Kaye, and few who can manage with the grace and poise of Jen McDaniels.'
His statement announcing his retirement spanned multiple Instagram slides
He continued: 'We at Hybe will continue to grow. With the addition of QC to Hybe America and our existing business at Big Machine, we will continue to add amazing execs and artists to the roster. Our WeVerse platform and growing gaming unit is something the whole industry can celebrate and join. Getting the opportunity to A&R and Executive Produce the solo career of Jung Kook last summer, and work with the other members of BTS as we break worldwide records, has been an absolute honor.
'With new acts like NewJeans, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, Seventeen, ILLIT, The Scarlet Opera, Ava Max, and many other new artists and ventures, the future is bright. I’m honored to join Chairman Bang and Jiwon Park as we grow HYBE from the multi-billion dollar publicly traded company it is today to the worldwide multifaceted entertainment platform it is destined to be. With Hybe going strong I am also looking forward to continuing to invest in a new generation of entrepreneurs and serve as a national board member of Make A Wish and help individuals and communities through our family’s Braun Foundation. Between all of this and coaching my kids I’m not worried about being busy :).'
'So yes, it’s been 23 years. And yes, this chapter has come to an end. But the great Berry Gordy once told me “young man, it never ends the way you wanted, but it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” That wisdom has proven to be correct. I never saw how this chapter would end, hell, I never even saw it happening. But it did. And I will cherish every moment of it. I made my plan… but it turns out I like God’s plan better. Cheers!'
The announcement comes after Braun parted ways with Grande after more than a decade in December 2023.
Scooter, who shares three children with his ex-wife, cited his children as the primary reason he decided to leave the business
Grande signed a new management deal with Good World Management's Brandon Creed - but will continue working with Braun's entertainment platform HYBE.
Braun still notably manages Justin Bieber.
Bieber, one of Scooter's biggest acts, was also reported to have left him in August, but reps for the Sorry singer denied that he had left Braun last year and noted that the had signed another four-year contract in 2022, though an ongoing contract didn't stop Ariana from moving on.
Grande's departure from Braun was first reported by TMZ in August - the same month Lovato and Braun ended their contract as part of an 'amicable' agreement.
At the time, a separate source told DailyMail.com this was untrue, claiming that 'people are spreading rumors based on what they know, but they are off' in their speculation.
Grande's departure from Braun was first reported by TMZ in August
Grande pictured performing at the Met Gala in May
Just hours after the news was revealed, Braun poked fun at his professional predicament on Twitter.
'Breaking news... I'm no longer managing myself,' he wrote.
Following Lovato's departure, reports then surfaced that Bieber - who he discovered on YouTube in 2008 - was also leaving the music manager.
Billboard dismissed the reports, confirming that Bieber had signed a seven-year contract with Braun in 2020.
Braun is also involved in Grande's R.E.M. Beauty through his HYBE America corporation.
In 2021, Braun sold Ithaca Holdings - the parent company to his SB Projects talent management company - to Korean K-Pop entertainment giant HYBE for $1.06 billion.
Billboard has reported that Bieber signed a seven-year contract with Braun in 2020; the pop singer pictured with wife Hailey Bieber
Demi Lovato was previously managed by Braun as well
In August, Braun assumed the role of CEO of HYBE America - forcing him to step back from his former role as a talent manager.
Several months prior, in May, R.E.M. Beauty announced in a press release that the brand had secured funding from major investors including Sandridge Capital, Live Nation, Universal Music Group, and Braun's HYBE America.
Braun infamously was embroiled in controversy with Swift after the music mogul purchased her master recordings from Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta back in 2019.
Braun infamously was embroiled in controversy with Swift after the music mogul purchased Swift's master recordings from Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta
In a June 2019 Tumblr post, Swift expressed her disappointment over the high-profile transaction.
'Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it,' Swift said. 'For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead, I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and "earn" one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in.'
Nearly a year and a half later, Braun went on to sell the master recordings for more than $300 million.
Swift has said she intends to re-record her first six records, having released the albums Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), and 1989 (Taylor’s Version).
