Scooter Braun has finally broken his silence over the Taylor Swift-Big Machine dispute.
The music mogul – whose Ithaca Holdings purchased Big Machine, home to Swift’s back catalogue, for $300 million earlier this year, sparking a long-running row over artists’ rights – posted an open letter to Swift on social media.
In it, Braun claimed his family had received death threats following Swift’s post about Big Machine attempting to block her playing old songs at this weekend’s American Music Awards. He also called for negotiations with the superstar singer-songwriter.
Braun posted hours after he appeared at the 2019 Entertainment Conference where he spoke only obliquely about the Swift saga, saying: “I just think we live in a time of toxic division, and of people thinking that social media is the appropriate place to air out on each other and not have conversations. And I don’t like politicians doing it. I don’t like anybody doing it, and if that means that I’ve got to be the bad guy longer, I’ll be the bad guy longer, but I’m not going to participate.”
Braun said a threatening phone call had changed his mind. “I am certain there is no situation ever worth jeopardising anyone’s safety,” he said.
Of the Big Machine situation, Braun said: “I was shocked and disheartened to hear that my presence in the Big Machine deal caused you so much pain as the handful of times we have actually met I have always remembered them to be pleasant and respectful. Knowing what I know now all I have wanted to do is rectify the situation. I’m open to ALL possibilities.”
Braun claimed attempts to open dialogue with Swift had been rejected, adding: “At this point with safety becoming a concern I have no choice other than to publicly ask for us to come together and try to find a resolution. I have tried repeatedly through your representatives to achieve a solution but unfortunately here we are. This game of telephone isn’t working.”
Swift has previously criticised Braun for “bullying” over her dispute with Braun management client Kanye West, and said the manager and Big Machine boss Scott Borchetta were “exercising tyrannical control” over her old music. Swift now has a deal with Universal’s Republic Records which, she told Music Week in our recent cover story, grants her total creative control (as well as allowing her to own her masters).
“While I am frustrated with your accusations and respectfully disagree with many of your statements, it is important that I am clear – no artist should ever feel cornered or bullied,” said Braun. “I have spent my entire career in service of creatives and artists, never the other way around.
“Moving forward I would like to find a resolution,” he added. “I will make myself available whenever works for you. I’m right here, ready to speak directly and respectfully. But if you would prefer to make large public statements while refusing to work towards resolving things amicably then I just pray that nobody gets seriously hurt in the process. I continue to wish you the best and hope we can resolve this.”
Swift's camp have yet to respond - watch this space... In the meantime, to read Music Week’s take on what the row means for the music industry, click here. To read our recent Taylor Swift cover story, click here. Braun’s full statement is below:
“Since your public statement last week there have been numerous death threats directed at my family. This morning I spoke out publicly for the first time saying I wouldn’t participate in a social media war. However I came home tonight to find my wife had received a phone call threatening the safety of our children as well as other threats seen above. I won’t go in to the details of this past week. I have been at a loss. Thinking of my wife and children, my team and their families, I have gone through a range of emotions on how to deal with this. I write this now only after a deep breathe and much reflection. I am certain there is no situation ever worth jeopardising anyone’s safety.
“I assume this was not your intention but it is important that you understand that your words carry a tremendous amount of weight and that your message can be interpreted by some in different ways. While disappointed that you have remained silent after being notified by your attorney four days ago of these ongoing threats, I’m still hopeful we can fix this.
“We are living in a time of pointless violence and as a husband and father I am concerned.
“This is a world filled with toxic division where people express their opinions over social media instead of having conversations in person. I want no part in that. To be frank I was shocked and disheartened to hear that my presence in the Big Machine deal caused you so much pain as the handful of times we have actually met I have always remembered them to be pleasant and respectful. Knowing what I know now all I have wanted to do is rectify the situation. I’m open to ALL possibilities. My attempts and calls to have an open discussion with you over the last six months have all been rejected. While some on your team and many of our mutual friends have tried to get you to the table, all have had no luck. It almost feels as if you have no interest in ever resolving the conflict. At this point with safety becoming a concern I have no choice other than to publicly ask for us to come together and try to find a resolution. I have tried repeatedly through your representatives to achieve a solution but unfortunately here we are. This game of telephone isn’t working.
“While I am frustrated with your accusations and respectfully disagree with many of your statements, it is important that I am clear – no artist should ever feel cornered or bullied. I have spent my entire career in service of creatives and artists, never the other way around.
“As the world now knows you can and should perform any song you would like at the AMAs. I have never and would never say otherwise. You do not need anyone’s permission to do so legally but I am stating it here clearly and publicly so there is no more debate or confusion.
“Moving forward I would like to find a resolution. I will make myself available whenever works for you. Many have told me that a meeting will never happen as this is not about truth or resolution but instead a narrative for you. I am hopeful that is not the case. I’m right here, ready to speak directly and respectfully. But if you would prefer to make large public statements while refusing to work towards resolving things amicably then I just pray that nobody gets seriously hurt in the process. I continue to wish you the best and hope we can resolve this.”
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