Scooter Braun has opened up about his current standing with his former protégé, Justin Bieber, in a candid conversation on the latest episode of "The Diary of a CEO" podcast. The 43-year-old music mogul, who made headlines two years ago when he ended his professional partnership with Bieber in 2023, delved into the intricacies of their relationship now. Braun, who discovered the "Peaches" crooner in 2008 and went on to manage him for several years, recently announced his retirement from music management in 2024, after two decades and three years in the industry.
Recalling their past, Braun said, "We accomplished some truly incredible feats together. I am immensely proud of our journey and will always be Bieber's biggest cheerleader." However, when prompted about the state of their bond today, he admitted, "It's not quite the same as it once was."
"Relationships ebb and flow," Braun philosophized. "There comes a time when an artist wants to strike out on their own and prove their mettle." He continued, "After years of collaborating and achieving unprecedented success, Bieber, like any ambitious individual, might want to demonstrate his independence to the world. I fully respect that urge. It seems that's what he's doing now, and I, along with everyone from our old team, continue to support him wholeheartedly."
Positioning himself as a "sideline cheerleader," Braun expressed his desire for all his former clients to thrive. During the podcast, he also addressed whether Bieber's decision to part ways had caused him any pain. "No, not at all at that juncture," Braun replied thoughtfully. "By then, I too was at a crossroads. I had been contemplating a shift for a couple of years, yearning to explore other aspects of my identity and career. We were both on the same page; the separation was inevitable."
Braun, who has also managed stars such as Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, announced his retirement from management in June 2024, citing his desire to focus on raising his three children. In a heartfelt statement at the time, he reflected, "I've lived a 'Forrest Gump'-like life, witnessing and participating in the rise of some of the world's most extraordinary talents. I often wonder how I've been fortunate enough to experience such a journey. And now, after 23 years, this chapter as a music manager has come to a close."
Braun's revelations come amidst Bieber's recent cryptic social media posts, sparking concerns about his mental well-being.
