How Scooter Braun's $300M Taylor Swift gamble sparked years of controversy: Full timeline
The acquisition of Taylor Swift's early albums by Scooter Braun ignited a highly publicized feud over ownership and artistic control (Getty Images)
What began as a record deal gone wrong has since evolved into one of the most public and emotionally charged disputes in the music industry.
Taylor Swift
and
Scooter Braun
's feud is no longer just about ownership of masters — it's about power, creative control, and how artists are treated in an industry dominated by billion-dollar players.
The deal that changed everything: Scooter Braun's acquisition of
Taylor
Swift's catalog
I
n 2019, the music world was stunned when Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine Label Group — and with it, Taylor Swift's first six albums. The $300 million deal meant Braun controlled the master recordings of Fearless, Red, 1989, and more. Swift didn't hold back in her response, calling it her 'worst case scenario' and alleging she had been subjected to 'incessant, manipulative bullying' by Braun.
Despite Swift's desire to purchase her own catalog, she said she wasn't even given a quote. 'These master recordings were not for sale to me,' she declared, making clear that the decision was not only a business betrayal but a deeply personal blow.
Taylor Swift's powerful response: Reclaiming her art
Refusing to be silenced, Swift launched her re-recording campaign, starting with Fearless (Taylor's Version) in 2021. 'Artists should own their own work,' she wrote, setting a precedent for other musicians and sending a strong message about artistic independence.
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Each re-release became a cultural moment, powered by loyal fans and her refusal to back down.
The singer's actions weren't just about reclaiming music — they were about regaining dignity and control over her legacy. As she later told TIME, 'There is one thing I've learned: My response to anything that happens, good or bad, is to keep making things.'
Scooter Braun's defense and eventual retreat
Braun, for his part, expressed regret. 'I regret and it makes me sad that Taylor had that reaction,' he told Variety.
While he denied bullying and said he tried to speak with her, the damage was done — and the court of public opinion had largely sided with Swift.
By 2024, Braun lost major clients like Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, and in 2025, he announced his retirement from artist management. Though he insisted, 'It's time to move on,' fans weren't so quick to forget.
Also Read:
'Swiftie independence day': New video of Taylor Swift singing 'Getaway Car' melts fans as she reclaims control of her music legacy
With a docuseries, public statements, and a relentless pursuit of creative control, Swift's battle with Braun has become a landmark case in entertainment history. As her team stated, 'None of these men will ever be able to take anything away from Taylor's legacy.'
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