Scooter Braun has always been a headline magnet — whether for launching Justin Bieber’s career, clashing with Taylor Swift, or making billion-dollar music deals. This summer, his name is back in the spotlight after rumors linking him to actress Sydney Sweeney surfaced in Venice. Meanwhile, Braun has officially stepped back from music management, settled a multimillion-dollar dispute with Bieber, and exited his CEO role at HYBE America.
This article breaks down everything you need to know: the Sweeney dating rumors, Braun’s career highs and lows, the infamous Swift feud, his retirement, and what’s next for one of music’s most controversial moguls.
Trending Now: Sydney Sweeney Rumors
In June 2025, paparazzi and tourist videos captured Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun together in Venice, Italy, reportedly during Jeff Bezos’s wedding festivities. The two were seen walking and dining, sparking speculation of a romantic connection. Star Magazine amplified the rumor, and outlets including news.com.au and Pedestrian.TV covered the story.
Neither Braun nor Sweeney has confirmed the relationship. Sweeney was previously engaged to Jonathan Davino, while Braun finalized his divorce from Yael Cohen in 2022. For now, the Venice sighting remains gossip, but the link between Hollywood’s rising star and one of music’s most polarizing figures generated millions of social impressions.
Who Is Scooter Braun?
Full Name: Scott Samuel Braun
Born: June 18, 1981 (New York City)
Known For: Talent manager, investor, entrepreneur
Notable Clients: Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, J Balvin
Companies: SB Projects, Ithaca Holdings, HYBE America (until 2025)
Braun grew up in a Jewish family in New York and studied at Emory University in Atlanta, where he promoted hip-hop parties. In 2007, he famously discovered a 13-year-old Justin Bieber on YouTube — a moment that reshaped modern music management.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2000s | Promoter at Emory University | Built music industry connections |
| 2007 | Discovered Justin Bieber | Changed digital talent discovery forever |
| 2008 | Founded SB Projects | Managed Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato |
| 2013 | Bieber reaches global superstardom | Cemented Braun as top-tier manager |
| 2019 | Purchased Big Machine masters (Swift catalog) | Sparked global feud |
| 2021 | Sold Ithaca Holdings to HYBE (~$1.05B) | Became HYBE America CEO |
| 2023–24 | Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Idina Menzel leave | Reputation questioned |
| 2024 | Retired from talent management | Focused on investments & HYBE role |
| 2025 | Stepped down as HYBE CEO | Transitioned to senior advisor role |
Controversies
Taylor Swift Masters Battle
In 2019, Braun’s company acquired Big Machine Label Group, including the masters of Taylor Swift’s first six albums. Swift alleged she wasn’t given the chance to buy them back, calling the move exploitative. In 2020, Braun sold the masters to Shamrock Holdings (~$300M). Swift responded with her wildly successful “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings, which became cultural milestones.
In June 2025, Braun reflected on the feud in an interview with El País, admitting regret and acknowledging Swift’s ultimate victory in reclaiming her work.
High-Profile Client Exits
Between 2023 and 2024, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Idina Menzel all parted ways with Braun. Fans speculated about trust issues and Braun’s shifting priorities. By 2025, he no longer actively managed major artists.
Kanye West Fallout
Braun, who previously worked with Kanye West, publicly distanced himself after West’s antisemitic controversies. In 2025, he confirmed they no longer have a personal relationship, citing disappointment and concern.
Justin Bieber Settlement
In July 2025, Braun and Bieber — once inseparable — settled a $31.5 million financial dispute related to Bieber’s canceled Justice Tour. The resolution closed a chapter in one of music’s most important manager-artist partnerships.
Net Worth & Business Ventures
Braun’s wealth primarily comes from music management, corporate deals, and tech investments.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Factors |
| 2015 | ~$50M | Bieber & Ariana tours |
| 2019 | ~$150M | Big Machine masters acquisition |
| 2021 | ~$400M+ | Sale of Ithaca Holdings to HYBE |
| 2023 | ~$450M | HYBE CEO role & equity |
| 2025 | ~$400M | Post-retirement investments |
Investments: Uber, Spotify, Pinterest, Waze, plus startups in media and healthcare.
Philanthropy: Pencils of Promise, youth programs, healthcare initiatives.
Public Reaction
- Swifties: Critical of Braun, often trending anti-Braun hashtags whenever his name surfaces.
- Sweeney Fans: Mixed reactions — some disappointed, others dismissing Venice rumors as business-related.
- Industry Watchers: Note Braun’s shift from frontline management to boardrooms and venture capital.
What’s Next for Braun?
- No active clients as of 2025.
- Stepped down as HYBE America CEO (July 2025), now serving as senior advisor.
- Investments & philanthropy are his focus moving forward.
- Family & legacy building remain personal priorities.
FAQs
Are Sydney Sweeney and Scooter Braun dating?
No confirmation. Rumors began after Venice sightings in June 2025.
Why do Taylor Swift fans dislike Scooter Braun?
Because he acquired her masters in 2019. Swift later re-recorded her catalog as “Taylor’s Version.”
What is Scooter Braun’s net worth in 2025?
Estimated around $400M, driven by HYBE deal, SB Projects, and investments.
Why did Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato leave Braun?
Reports cite creative differences, Braun’s corporate focus, and eventual retirement.
What’s Braun doing after retiring?
He is focusing on philanthropy, tech ventures, and advisory roles.
Conclusion
Scooter Braun’s story in 2025 is a study in contrasts:
- A once-dominant music manager linked to viral rumors with Sydney Sweeney.
- A businessman stepping away from day-to-day management after industry-shaping deals.
- A figure forever tied to the Taylor Swift feud but also remembered for spotting Justin Bieber’s potential.
As Braun pivots into investments and philanthropy, his legacy remains polarizing — a blend of bold vision, controversy, and celebrity intrigue.
Sources:
- News.com.au – Sydney Sweeney linked to Scooter Braun
- IndiaTimes – HYBE America shake-up
- People – Bieber & Braun settlement
- Cinemablend – Braun on Kanye West
- El País – Braun reflects on Swift feud
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