Pop star manager Scooter Braun, who courted controversy when he apparently refused to allow Taylor Swift to own her masters’ recordings, appears to have lost more big-name clients this week, according to US media.
According to media outlet Billboard, both Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato have parted ways with their manager, though the reason is unknown.
It follows rumours last week that Justin Bieber had also left Braun’s management company – though the claims were later refuted by sources for both men, but not publicly.
Both Grande and Lovato are said to be seeking new management.
Sky News has contacted representatives for Scooter Braun.
Grande has been signed with Braun for her entire music career so far and has not released an album since 2020.
She is due to play the role of Glinda in the film adaptation of musical Wicked, and had nearly wrapped production before film and TV industry strikes shut it down.
Lovato linked up with Braun in 2019, saying at the time: “Dreams came true for me. I officially have a NEW MANAGER. And not just any manager but the one and only Scooter Braun.
“Couldn’t be happier, inspired and excited to begin this next chapter – thank you for believing in me and for being a part of this new journey.”
Her split with Braun has been described as “amicable” by Variety.
But the timing could prove tricky for the former Disney Channel star, as she is about to release her new album Revamped – full of re-recorded rock versions of earlier songs.
The pair join J Balvin, a Colombian singer, who also left Braun’s management last month, going on to join Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
Braun is embroiled in a long-running feud with Taylor Swift, who claimed he would not allow her to buy her master recordings when she left his management company.
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It meant Swift did not officially own her music, and was unable to make money from the sale and performance of her records.
Braun then sold her master recordings to an investment company.
Swift appeared to call Braun’s bluff and has since released re-recordings of the albums she made while she was managed by Braun, known as Taylor’s Versions – which have been backed by scores of her fans.
