Scooter Braun Gives Up Music Manager Role After Restored Partnership With Ariana Grande

It is the end of an era for Scooter Braun as he officially steps down as a music manager.

The CEO of HYBE America recently announced his resignation after 23 years as a manager for various artists, including his renewed collaborator Ariana Grande. He noted it was time for a new chapter, one where he could spend more time with his children.

Scooter Braun achieved fame as a manager; however, his career took a beating when he purchased the rights to Taylor Swift's albums.

In a lengthy yet emotional statement on Instagram, Braun reminiscenced about his "Forrest Gump–like" rise to fame and why he could no longer continue serving as an artist manager. He looked back on his past in awe and gratitude, writing:

"23 years. That's how long I have been a music manager. 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?'" Braun reflected.

"And after 23 years, this chapter as a music manager has come to an end," the record executive announced. He confessed that he had wanted to quit for a long time; however, he feared who he would be without the famous artists he represented.

According to Braun, he spent most of his adult life catering to the demands of being a famous manager. For 20 years, he loved the hectic schedules and gave his all 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to his clients.

However, that joy soon faded once he realized that his children had not gotten the attention they deserved. Braun seemingly came to understand the value of family amid his Taylor Swift backlash, writing:

"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."

As for his "new role," Braun announced that he will be focused on leading HYBE America as its CEO. He praised the company's head, Chairman Bang, for the opportunity but stressed that it would be his second priority after his children.

The comment section of Braun's post received mixed responses from fans, with some celebrating his exit as a manager. "And I'll say 'GOOD RIDDANCE,'" an IG user declared, with another echoing similar sentiments, writing:

"Thank god. This role was never even yours to begin with. You can't illegally steal & own other people's work now! All that you've ever done as a manager is absolutely NOTHING LOL!"

South Korean boy group BTS fans joined the criticism train as they did not want Braun influencing their idols. There were multiple "Stay away from BTS" and "We don't want you near BTS" comments; however, the former manager's supporters also made their presence known.

"Thank you for everything, scooter. Without you, there is no Justin Bieber. You don't even have an idea how you changed our lives. You meant everything to us. We always love you, scooter," someone sweetly penned.

Days before Braun announced his resignation, The Blast reported he had reunited with his longtime client, Ariana Grande. The record executive's team confirmed the mended relationship on Instagram, writing:

"Ariana Grande and Hybe, led by CEO Scooter Braun, look forward to continuing their long-standing business partnership and pursuing creative opportunities in Weverse and REM Beauty. Grande, in this new chapter, will continue to be managed exclusively by Brandon Creed/Good World Management."

Grande was among the singers who cut ties with Braun last year after his infamous feud with Swift. Her decision to end their decade-long partnership shocked many, given that the 42-year-old played a pivotal role in her rise to fame.

As stated, Braun faced severe backlash over his decision to acquire Swift's music catalog in 2019. He got hold of her first six albums when he purchased Big Machine Records, a deal The Blast reported he painfully regretted.

During a 2022 interview, Braun claimed he signed a strict NDA that stopped him from telling any artist about the sale of their catalog until the deal ended. Instead, he had hoped these singers would happily work with him.

Unfortunately, that was not true for Swift, who vehemently slammed him in a Tumblr post, accusing him of "incessant, manipulative bullying." Braun noted he regretted assuming she would be okay with the deal and promised never to make such assumptions again.