Taylor Swift calls out Scooter Braun during Billboard speech

Taylor Swift used Billboard Women in Music st to address a series of issues including her ongoing beef with Scooter Braun. Swift was awarded first-ever woman of decade hour during 14th annual event Thursday night, eve of her 30th birthday. Her acceptance speech lasted more than 15 minutes as she spoke about witnessing institutionalized sexism throughout her career, unfair business practices and Braun, who bought her master recordings without her kwledge.

Grammy-winning singer also called out Braun’s supporters.

“ definition of toxic male privilege in our industry is people saying ‘But he’s always been nice to me,’ when I’m raising valid concerns about artists owning ir rights to own ir music,” Swift said. “Of course he’s nice to you. If you’re in this room, he has something that he needs.”

Swift, Alicia Keys and Billie Eilish were among music artists who were recognized at event, which celebrated achievements of top female performers and executives in music industry. Rosalia and Megan e Stallion, who were also houred, performed during live stream show.

beef began after Swift discovered that Braun’s Ithaca Holdings owned her master recordings. It was anunced in June that he acquired Big Machine Label Group, labelled by Scott Borchetta and home to Swift’s first six albums.

Braun, who mans Grammy winners including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Tori Kelly, wrote a lengthy post on social media that he’s made calls to have an open discussion with Swift and squash ir differences, but said he’s been rejected. However, singer said she hasn’t heard a word from him.

“ne of se investors have ever bored to contact me or my team directly to perform ir due diligence on ir investment,” she said. “y didn’t ask how I might feel about owner of my art, music I wrote, photos of me, my handwriting, my album designs. Scooter never contacted me or my team to discuss it prior to seller or even before it was anunced.”

event handed out a series of awards. Keys received an impact award, Eilish snagged woman of year, Brandi Carlile won trailblazer award, Rosalia claimed rising star hour, Megan e Stallion was recognized for being a powerhouse and Nicki Minaj took home game changer award.

During her speech, Minaj paid her respects to late rapper Juice WRLD, who died at of 21 after suffering a seizure at a Chicago airport on Sunday. She also talked a moment when WRLD suggested she “stay calm and pray” before walking on st during a tour.

“It doesn’t feel comfortable to talk about me when someone so important to our culture died,” Minaj said. “It’s important t to pass judgement so people aren’t ashamed to speak out and ask for help. I just came here tonight to ask people to be a little more forgiving and understanding, especially with entertainers.”

Keys told attendees that y’re “incredibly unlimited.”

“It’s ability to be an individual, set your own path and blaze forward,” she said.