The longstanding feud between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun will be the main subject of the new season of Discovery+’s docuseries, “Vs”. Warner Bros. Discover UK and Ireland are set to dive into the complex dispute between Swift and Braun over the ownership of Swift’s music, says The Hollywood Reporter. The show, “Taylor Swift vs Scooter Braun: Bad Blood”, will delve into the duo’s conflict subsequent to Braun’s acquisition of the rights to Swift’s records in 2019.
Meticulous Examination of the Clash
The docuseries will include two hour-long segments that will dissect each faction’s arguments. One will examine Swift’s contention that she was not consulted before the sale and that she was later barred from repurchasing her masters. Conversely, the episode pertaining to Braun’s side will highlight his assertion that Swift declined to negotiate and rather sparked a public fight by turning her fan base against him.
Remarkably, not only will the series provide an in-depth inspection of the feud, but it will also deeply examine the intricacies of music ownership, the gender dynamics in the industry, and the sway of fan influence. Both legal experts and journalists, as well as those close to Swift and Braun, will give their perspectives in the series.
Overview of the Feud
In 2019, Braun’s Ithaca Holdings acquired the rights to Swift’s catalog at the time by purchasing Big Machine Label Group for a reported $330 million. The acquisition included the rights to her albums “Taylor Swift,” “Fearless,” “Speak Now,” “Red,” “1989,” and “Reputation.”
In a public post, Swift conveyed her disappointment over not getting the opportunity to buy back her work. She claimed that she had been pleading for years to own her work, but was instead given a deal to “earn” the rights to her old music with each new album she delivered.
Swift’s Reaction to the Acquisition
Swift added that she came to know of Braun’s acquisition of her masters after the deal had already been finalized. This left her feeling bullied and manipulated and eventually led to her feeling stripped off her life’s work. However, this claim was disputed by Scott Borchetta, Big Machine’s label founder and CEO, who declared that he had informed Swift on the eve of the deal’s announcement.
Swift’s Countermove
In the aftermath of the ordeal, Swift resorted to re-recording her old music, resulting in the successful Taylor’s Version series. The releases rekindled her fans’ love for her music, preparing them for her career-spanning and record-breaking “Eras Tour”.
In 2020, Ithaca Holdings sold the masters of Swift’s Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) albums to Shamrock Holdings for a reported $405 million.
Wrapping Up
Swift and Braun’s dispute sheds light on the harsh realities of music ownership. Their feud is a significant example of how intellectual property conflicts can impact artists and their work. For more captivating stories and insights into the entertainment world, check out HitPlay.