UPDATE: Scooter Braun has publicly denounced his former client, Kanye West, over the rapper’s controversial antisemitic remarks, declaring, “I don’t know him anymore.” This statement was made during an episode of “Question Everything” with Danielle Robay on July 27, 2023. Braun’s comments come amid ongoing backlash against West, amplifying the urgency of the situation.
In a heartfelt reflection, Braun, who identifies as Jewish, expressed his dismay at West’s behavior: “The person that I knew isn’t someone who says those things.” He emphasized the emotional toll of witnessing someone he cared about change, stating, “Sometimes the hardest thing to do about someone you care about is mourn them while they are still here.”
Braun, 44, revealed that he no longer has a relationship with West, 48, saying, “I don’t have a relationship [with him] anymore.” When questioned about the possibility of reconciling with West, Braun admitted, “I don’t know.” He stressed his commitment to his three children—Jagger, 9, Levi, 7, and Hart, 5—saying, “I have three beautiful kids that need a dad to focus on them.”
The music executive reiterated his values, stating, “I’d rather stand proudly with who I am and who my people are.” He emphasized his intention to focus on positivity rather than engage with antisemitic rhetoric. Braun firmly added that he holds “no ill will” towards West, asserting, “I’d rather be someone who’s focused on positivity.”
Braun’s remarks come in the wake of West’s social media tirades, which began in 2022 and led to him being dropped from major brand deals, including those with Balenciaga and Adidas. While West has issued multiple apologies, he has continued to face scrutiny for his inflammatory comments, including a recent statement made in May 2023, where he professed, “I am done with antisemitism.”
With Braun’s candid remarks hitting the airwaves, the conversation surrounding West’s behavior and its implications continues to evolve. As Braun reflects on their past collaboration from 2016 to 2018, it is evident that the fallout from West’s controversial statements remains a pressing issue.
As this story develops, the industry and fans alike are watching closely. Braun’s decision to distance himself from West signals a broader conversation about accountability and the impact of public figures’ words in today’s climate.