Taylor Swift’s fans did not hold back after Big Machine Records founder Scott Borchetta posted a tribute marking 20 years since his first meeting with the singer. On Saturday, Scott Borchetta shared a throwback photo on Instagram, recalling the day he first met Swift and the impact it had on both of their lives. “Today marks the 20th anniversary of my first meeting with Taylor. A day that changed both of our lives,” he captioned the post, adding that he was “always proud of the art and the work she did while we were together… and just as proud of her now.”
While Borchetta’s post may have been intended as a tribute, Swift’s passionate fanbase quickly voiced their displeasure, with many accusing him of being disingenuous and attention-seeking. “This is so ridiculous. Attention seeker behavior. Fraud,” one fan commented. Others described the post as “so desperate” and “SOOO embarrassing,” with some accusing Borchetta of trying to use Swift’s success to maintain his relevance in the music industry. “This made me sick,” wrote one fan. “He’s so gross to keep trying to make amends online and use her still to this day.”
The tension between Scott Borchetta and Swift dates back to 2019 when Swift publicly criticized the Big Machine founder after he sold her master recordings to music executive Scooter Braun in a controversial $300 million deal. Swift, who was only 14 when she signed with Big Machine Records in 2005 as its first artist, expressed her frustration with Borchetta for making the sale without offering her the opportunity to purchase her own music catalog. Swift later told Vogue in August 2019 that she didn’t pursue buying her masters herself, saying, “It was either investing in my past or my and other artists’ future, and I chose the future.”
Swift’s response to the sale was decisive—she announced plans to re-record her first six albums to regain ownership of her music. Speaking on Good Morning America, Swift shared her excitement for the project, saying, “I just feel very passionately about [artists owning their work].” Starting in 2021, Swift began releasing “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings of her early albums, which have since included Fearless (Taylor’s Version), Red (Taylor’s Version), Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), and most recently, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in 2023.
this is so ridiculous. attention seeker behavior. fraud.
— ໊ (@dieforyous) November 3, 2024
The re-recording project has been widely supported by Swift’s fans, who appreciate her determination to reclaim control of her music. Swift’s fans see Borchetta’s post as a reminder of the tension surrounding her masters and view his tribute as a way to benefit from her continued success. Many fans also pointed out that Borchetta’s post came off as hypocritical, as it invoked a nostalgia for Swift’s early career years, which she no longer has control over due to his actions.
not scooter also liked the post GET A JOB STAY AWAY FROM HER FREAKS
— role (@taydva) November 3, 2024
As Swift continues to reclaim her early music, fans are eagerly awaiting the re-recordings of her debut album, Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version), and Reputation (Taylor’s Version), signaling their support for her commitment to owning her work. The backlash against Borchetta’s post underscores the loyalty of Swift’s fanbase and their unwavering support for her journey to regain ownership of her music—a quest that has not only become a personal mission for Swift but also a larger statement on artists’ rights in the music industry.
Borchetta’s tribute may have been intended to celebrate Swift’s achievements, but for her fans, it only served as a reminder of a painful chapter in the singer’s career and strengthened their resolve to stand by Swift as she reclaims her legacy.
Trying so hard to paint himself as her industry father figure when he’s just a greedy rat
— soggy | #1 state of grace stan (@STATE0FGRAC3TV) November 3, 2024
he only makes the news when someone fires him or he mentions Taylor Swift 😭
— alex 𐚁 (@beyblonded) November 3, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I’m Shivam Kumar. I’m pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day….
