"That’s family and you have each other’s back": Scooter Braun opens up about his relationship with Justin Bieber

Scooter Braun has talked about how things stand with Justin Bieber and responded to ongoing rumors about Taylor Swift's 2022 song "Vigilante S—." On a recent episode of the Question Everything podcast, Braun spoke about shifts in his work and personal life, including stepping down as CEO of HYBE America and the constant media spotlight.

Braun and Bieber ended their work relationship in 2023 after teaming up for years. They split up amid talk of money issues, including a reported $31.5 million payment for unpaid fees. Even so, Braun stressed that he still sees Bieber as family. Looking back on their connection, he described their bond as one that evolves but stays grounded in mutual backing. The seasoned music exec also recognized that Bieber has reached a point where he's calling the shots about his career. Braun mentioned that he understands the pop star's wish to steer his own course, saying it was Bieber's call to make.

“That’s what happens with relationships like that,” Barun said. “They ebb and they flow. They go up and down. Sometimes, they go in one direction and sometimes they go another, but you always keep your heart open to the fact that that’s family and you have each other’s back in the end.”

Even though they're no longer working together, Scooter Braun openly backed Bieber's newest album, Swag, calling it a personal collection of songs.

Rolling Stone reports Justin Bieber had 100% creative control on ‘SWAG’ for first time since parting ways with Scooter Braun:

“Breaking away from Braun and his team has been something that Justin has wanted for so long and now that he’s fully free, he could finally share this… pic.twitter.com/MGRs8IePyk

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 13, 2025

Scooter Braun dismisses speculation linking Taylor Swift's song to his divorce

Besides talking about Bieber, Scooter Braun responded to rumors connecting him to Taylor Swift's song "Vigilante S—." This track, part of her Midnights album, caught fans' attention who thought it referred to Braun and his split from Yael Cohen. People widely saw the lyrics about a woman getting close to an ex-wife and taking the house and kids as a nod to the rift between Braun and Swift, plus his public divorce.

Braun rejected any personal tie to the song while on The Danielle Robay Show. He said neither he nor Cohen believed the track targeted them. Braun explained that he and Cohen still have a tight co-parenting bond and talk every day. He called her a partner and the mom of his kids, not just an ex-wife. To show how close they are, he mentioned getting a tattoo that says "same team" after they split up.

Scooter Braun brushed off the public gossip about the song, calling it media-driven hype. He admitted that although the timing seemed to line up with events in his personal life, he and Cohen didn't view the song as having anything to do with them. He suggested that the narrative built around the track was shaped more by external interpretations than by any direct connection.

As Scooter Braun transitions into a new professional chapter, his comments offer a glimpse into the shifting relationships that have shaped his career and personal journey.