Scooter Braun just proved that even a $31.5 million settlement can’t stop him from giving Justin Bieber his flowers.
Just days after the pop star dropped his surprise new album Swag, the music mogul took to Instagram Stories on July 12 to share his thoughts – and he didn’t hold back the praise.
Scooter, who discovered Justin back in the YouTube days and managed his career until their split in 2023, called Swag “the most authentically Justin Bieber album to date.” Despite no longer working with the Grammy winner – and having just closed a financial chapter that involved canceled shows and unpaid commissions – Braun made it crystal clear that he’s still Team Bieber when it matters.
“This album is beautiful, raw, and truly him. And that matters,” Scooter wrote. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his growth for almost two decades. Along every journey, there comes a time when an artist fully steps into their own, and that’s what he’s done here.”
The heartfelt message comes in the wake of Justin agreeing to pay Scooter a hefty $31.5 million as part of a financial resolution from their past business dealings. Still, Braun, who stepped down from music management last year and also worked with Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato, made it clear this was nothing but love and respect.
He continued, “The way he chose to release it is just as intentional as the music itself, and I’m happy to see him do it his way. I have played no role in this one, but as someone who’s always believed in him, I’m incredibly proud and impressed and genuinely enjoying the music.”
Justin dropped Swag on July 11 with zero warning, making it his seventh studio album and arguably the most personal one to date. The cover art features a stunning black-and-white photo of his 10-month-old son, Jack Blues Bieber, and several of the tracks subtly touch on his personal life, including ongoing speculation about his relationship with wife Hailey Bieber.
Hailey, who runs Rhode Beauty, was quick to show support for her husband – and shut down all the breakup buzz in the process. “Is it finally clocking to you f–king losers?” she wrote on her Instagram Stories on July 10, referencing both Justin’s lyrics and the media’s obsession with their marriage.
The viral energy kept rolling thanks to an old clip from June 13, where Justin was seen confronting paparazzi at Malibu Beach. “You’re not getting it, it’s not clocking to you,” he told the cameras. “It’s not clocking to you that I’m standing on business.” The quote has since become a rallying cry for fans, who say Swag is his most confident and unapologetic body of work in years.
The timing of all this – the financial settlement, the personal tone of the album, and Scooter’s unexpected message of support – couldn’t have aligned more perfectly. While their professional journey might have ended, Scooter’s public co-sign is proof that sometimes, the respect lasts longer than the contract.
For fans and critics alike, Swag isn’t just a new Bieber era. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t always need fanfare – sometimes, it just needs good music, real emotion, and the courage to stand on business.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
