On 11/7, sources confirmed to People that the two had reached a settlement. Bieber repaid Braun $26 million, an advance he received from AEG Presents for his 2022 Justice World Tour. When the tour was canceled, AEG Presents sought to recoup the advance. Braun covered the cost for Bieber in the form of a loan with a favorable interest rate through his company, HYBE, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Another source said Bieber will also pay Braun an additional $5.5 million, half of the $11 million in unpaid commissions. Bieber's representatives have not yet commented. TMZ first reported the news on 10/7, the same day Bieber announced his seventh studio album, SWAG, and his fashion brand, SKYLPK.
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Justin Bieber with his former manager at an event in Los Angeles in 2015. Photo: Film Magic |
Justin Bieber with his former manager at an event in Los Angeles in 2015. Photo: Film Magic
The settlement comes almost three years after Bieber and Braun ended their professional relationship. The reason for their split remains unclear, though some reports suggest Bieber's debt was a contributing factor.
In December 2022, Bieber sold his 291-song music catalog to Hipgnosis Songs Capital for $200 million. At the time, Braun commented, "Justin is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and that is reflected in the magnitude of this deal".
In May, TMZ released the documentary TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?, which delved into this sale. The filmmakers suggested Bieber sold his music rights to avoid bankruptcy due to debts incurred after canceling his tour. The documentary also explored allegations of substance abuse, financial struggles, and his marriage to Hailey Bieber.
Trailer "TMZ Investigates: What Happened to Justin Bieber?". Video: TMZ
Braun, 44, is an American businessman and music executive. He has managed several prominent artists, including Ariana Grande, J Balvin, and Demi Lovato. In June 2024, Braun announced his retirement from management after 23 years to focus on his family. On 1/7, HYBE announced Braun's resignation as CEO, though he will remain as an advisor.
According to ENews, Braun discovered Bieber's talent when the singer was a teenager posting music covers on YouTube in the late 2000s. Braun played a significant role in launching Bieber's career. On The Diary of a CEO podcast in June, Braun reflected on their time together, stating their relationship "wasn't the same anymore".
He said, "We've worked together for a long time and achieved great things. I think at some point, a man wants to prove to the world he can do it on his own. I completely respect that. I think that's what he's doing right now. Me and everyone on the old team are rooting for Justin".
Music video for "Baby" performed by 14-year-old Justin Bieber. This is one of his breakout hits. Video: YouTube Justin Bieber
Bieber, 31, is a Canadian singer and one of the best-selling music artists worldwide. In his 14-year career, he has received numerous awards, including 22 Guinness World Records, two Grammy Awards, 18 American Music Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards, 21 MTV Europe Music Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards. TIME magazine named Bieber one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World" in 2011. He married Hailey Bieber in 2019 and welcomed their first child in August 2024.
Phuong Thao (via People)