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Justin Bieber Defends Scooter Braun Against Taylor Swift's Bullying Claims

By Bernadette Roe

Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards - 2012 Tribeca Film Festival
Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards - 2012 Tribeca Film Festival / Jemal Countess/Getty Images

On Sunday, June 30, Taylor Swift took to her Tumblr page to express her sorrow about the new rights and ownership of her music. She explained that music manager Scooter Braun will soon own the entire catalogue of her music and she is "grossed out" by that. The singer wrote, in part:

"For years I asked, pleaded for a chance to own my work. Instead I was given an opportunity to sign back up to Big Machine Records and 'earn' one album back at a time, one for every new one I turned in. I walked away because I knew once I signed that contract, [Big Machine founder] Scott Borchetta would sell the label, thereby selling me and my future. I had to make the excruciating choice to leave behind my past."

Taylor then brought in Scooter's part: "Some fun facts about today's news: I learned about Scooter Braun's purchase of my masters as it was announced to the world. All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I've received at his hands for years."

Scooters represents artists such as Kanye West, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Justin Bieber. Bieber was quick to defend his manager, taking to Instagram yesterday to write:

"Scooter has had your back since the days you graciously let me open up for you. As the years have passed we haven't crossed paths and gotten to communicate our differences, hurts or frustrations. So for you to take it to social media and get people to hate on [S]cooter isn't fair."

View this post on Instagram

Hey Taylor. First of all i would like to apologize for posting that hurtful instagram post, at the time i thought it was funny but looking back it was distasteful and insensitive.. I have to be honest though it was my caption and post that I screenshoted of scooter and Kanye that said “taylor swift what up” he didnt have anything to do with it and it wasnt even a part of the conversation in all actuality he was the person who told me not to joke like that.. Scooter has had your back since the days you graciously let me open up for you.! As the years have passed we haven’t crossed paths and gotten to communicate our differences, hurts or frustrations. So for you to take it to social media and get people to hate on scooter isn’t fair. What were you trying to accomplish by posting that blog? seems to me like it was to get sympathy u also knew that in posting that your fans would go and bully scooter. Anyway, One thing i know is both scooter and i love you. I feel like the only way to resolve conflict is through communication. So banter back and fourth online i dont believe solves anything. I’m sure Scooter and i would love to talk to you and resolve any conflict, pain or or any feelings that need to be addressed. Neither scooter or i have anything negative to say about you we truly want the best for you. I usually don’t rebuttal things like this but when you try and deface someone i loves character thats crossing a line..

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on

Braun's wife, Yael Cohen Braun, also jumped in to defend her husband, saying Taylor was given the opportunity to buy her masters but passed. "And girl, who are you talking about bullying?... My husband is anything but a bully, he's spent his life standing up for people and causes he believes in," she added.

But others have jumped to Taylor's defense. Halsey was quick to get involved, explaining the "ME!" singer has been an inspiration to her.

Even Selena Gomez's mom, Mandy Teefy, gave Taylor a shout-out on Instagram, sharing her support for the singer and tagging Yael to invite her to a "mom to mom meeting in private."

In November, Taylor Swift left Big Machine Music and joined Universal Music Group, meaning Braun will not have any legal claim over her upcoming album, Lover, or her new singles.

[h/t: E! News]