Scooter Braun says Swift feud based on misconception

Music executive Scooter Braun has described his widely publicized feud with Taylor Swift as based on a misconception, stating he has met the pop star only three times and never had a substantial relationship with her. The comments, made during a recent podcast interview, revisit the 2019 dispute that began when his company acquired the master recordings to Swift’s first six studio albums.

Braun said the intense public backlash transformed his reputation overnight. He described going from being loved and appreciated for over a decade to literally a villain the next night. He emphasized that the narrative of a deep personal feud was inaccurate, noting they never had a substantial conversation. Braun recalled one interaction at a private party hosted by Swift where the two discussed their mutual utmost respect.

The conflict originated in June 2019 when Braun’s Ithaca Holdings purchased Big Machine Label Group, the label to which Swift was signed at the start of her career, for a reported $300 million. The deal included ownership of the master recordings from her debut album through "Reputation." Swift publicly criticized the acquisition, stating she was not given the opportunity to...