Taylor Swift is allegedly intending to re-record new versions of her old songs after Scooter Braun bought her entire back catalogue of music.
Swift revealed back in June that the masters of her early music had been sold to the manager by her former record label, Big Machine Records, and claimed she wasn't informed about it.
The Lover singer accused Braun of "incessant, manipulative bullying", which he has denied. Braun manages stars like Justin Bieber, who controversially leapt to his defence, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato.
Swift has said that she "absolutely" plans to re-record music from her first six albums, which were massively successful.
During an interview with the CBS Sunday Morning show, she was asked whether she planned to re-record the old material so she could own the rights to new versions.
"Yeah, absolutely," she replied. The singer began her career as a teenager, and released six albums with the Nashville label. Braun's Ithaca Holdings acquired Big Machine Records in June.
Swift accused him of attempting to "dismantle" her "musical legacy". Braun was later supported by Lovato and Bieber, who claimed Swift was just out "to get sympathy".
Taylor signed with Universal Music last year, writing: "I am now signed to a label that believes I should own anything I create." Halsey and Kelly Clarkson both stood up for Swift online, saying that women like Swift deserve to control their own art.
Artists including Squeeze, Def Leppard and ELO have previously re-recorded their hits so they can own the rights to the new versions, meaning they get control over how they are used, and get paid if they are sold or used for things like TV adverts.
We've been eagerly anticipating Ed Sheeran's entry to the dramatic feud of Taylor Swift versus Scooter Braun.
For anyone unaware of the insane situation, Taylor Swift released a scathing indictment of the music manager after he acquired her life's work (six multi-platinum albums) in a $300 million deal.
She was left feeling "sad" and "grossed out" after a man who has allegedly been "manipulating and bullying" her for years gained control over her years of hard work.
Taylor's fans were quick to point out that numerous powerful men in the music industry were keeping a firm silence on the whole drama, while women took sides with Scooter or Taylor.
Sia, Demi Lovato and Yael showed support for Scooter, while Halsey, Cara Delevigne and Miley Cyrus showed their team flags were for Taylor.
One friend of Taylor whose silence has spoken volumes was Ed Sheeran. Shawn Mendes also was an opener for the singer, so his silence is noticeable.
Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes were both opening acts for Taylor Swift's tours and it's no doubt that she give them so much support when they were small artists and needed it but yet they both remain silent when she needs their support. Trash.
Her fans are furious at men in Taylor's life who haven't publicly supported her, given how large and influential their platforms are.
However, Ed Sheeran has now responded to the spamming of his Instagram by confirming that he has been talking directly to the You Need To Calm Down singer behind the scenes.
"I've been speaking directly to her, like I always do," Ed replied to a fan, @martinamalcotti_ on Instagram.
Image: Instagram/@teddysphotos
Time will tell whether or not he will publicly express his views on the matter, but history shows he tries to stay out of any Hollywood music industry drama.
The pair collaborated on numerous projects together, such as the adorable Everything Has Changed video featuring mini Taylor and Ed.
Both artists have been friends for years, so we're assuming he's supporting her in private. We certainly hope he is, anyway.
Justin Bieber has turned to Instagram to defend his veteran manager, Scooter Braun, after Taylor Swift posted a scathing indictment criticising him for "manipulative bullying".
Braun recently acquired Big Machine Records, which holds the rights to Swift's first six multi-platinum albums. In response, the singer wrote an emotional Tumblr message explaining that this is the worst possible outcome.
She also referenced an Instagram image by Bieber featuring Braun and Kanye West, captioned; "Taylor, what up." Swift took the image as a message of intimidation, with Braun's two artists mocking her.
The photo came after Kim Kardashian posted a recording of Taylor allegedly consenting to Kanye using her name for his music video and in the song Famous.
The manager has been employed by Ariana Grande (but was fired and subsequently rehired later…), Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Demi Lovato.
Bieber began his own post of a years-old photo of the pair by apologising for the earlier image, writing
“Hey Taylor. First of all i would like to apologise for posting that hurtful Instagram post, at the time i thought it was funny but looking back it was distasteful and insensitive.
“I have to be honest though it was my caption and post that I screenshotted of scooter and Kanye that said ‘Taylor Swift what up’ he didn’t have anything to do with it and it wasn’t even a part of the conversation in all actuality he was the person who told me not to joke like that.”
“Scooter has had your back since the days you graciously let me open up for you! As the years have passed we haven’t crossed paths and gotten to communicate our differences, hurts or frustrations.
"So for you to take it to social media and get people to hate on Scooter isn’t fair. What were you trying to accomplish by posting that blog? Seems to me like it was to get sympathy. You also knew that in posting that your fans would go and bully Scooter."
Bieber also claims that he tried to open direct lines of communication, after criticising Swift for 'defacing' Braun's character.
“Anyway, One thing I know is both scooter and I love you. I feel like the only way to resolve conflict is through communication. So banter back and forth online i don't believe solves anything,” he continued.
“I’m sure Scooter and I would love to talk to you and resolve any conflict, pain or or any feelings that need to be addressed. Neither scooter or I have anything negative to say about you we truly want the best for you," he added.
"I usually don’t rebuttal things like this but when you try and deface someone I love's character that's crossing a line."
Braun’s wife, Yael Cohen Braun, also came to his defence online, writing to her Instagram followers; “I have never been one for the public airing of laundry, but when you attack my husband… here we go.”
Yael Braun disputes Taylor's depiction of the conflict, emphasising that Swift was given fair notice of the deal between Scooter's Ithaca Holdings and Big Machine records;
“Interesting that the man you’re so ‘grossed out’ by believed in you more than you believe in yourself,” she wrote. “And girl, who are you to talk about bullying? The world has watched you collect and drop friends like wilted flowers. MY husband is anything but a bully.”
Many have defended Braun online, with supporters like Demi Lovato and Bieber's attorney Aaron Rosenberg speaking out against Taylor.
Image: Instagram/@ddlovato
Demi Lovato wrote;
“Y‘all can come after me all you want but I’m always gonna stay loyal to my team. I value loyalty more than most people in this world and if my name is gonna be brought into conversations I’m gonna stand up for myself and the ones on my team."
Taylor is clearly devastated that Scooter has acquired the rights to her first six albums and life's work after he seemingly abetted Kim Kardashian and Kanye West drama, saying;
"Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it."
The drama is piping hot…Who do you believe; Team Scooter (Biebs, Kanye, Demi etc) or Team Taylor?
We all have that friend that seems to have her head permanently in the gutter, and if you can't pinpoint which pal it is… then it's you, hun.
Every woman deserves to feel sexy and powerful, and some of your friends understand that notion more than others.
You know the one, the gal-pal that's always giving insanely detailed in and out's (pardon the pun) of her sex life, her favourite sex positions and toys, even her tips that you never really asked to hear.
If she's the mate you've been given for the Kris Kringle, never fear.
We have the ULTIMATE red hot, X-rated spice guide for buying the best gifts.
Strap yourselves in, fam. No, that wasn't an intentional BDSM reference, honestly….
1. Girl Boner: The Good Girl's Guide to Sexual Empowerment by August McLaughlin
August McLaughlin wrote a powerful book about how she overcame her eating disorder after embracing her sexuality.
The result is an incredible collection of her thoughts on what it means to be a 'good girl', slut shaming, prude-shaming, bondage, BDMS, body image, girl boners and orgasms, among other saucy things.
We advise you to grab it ASAP for your sexually empowered pals, or anyone who needs it for that matter. We've already ordered it from Amazon…*winks*
Fuschia make-up has decided to gift us with a frisky palette full of delicious berries, bold blues and tantalising purples.
Endlessly daring looks for naughty nights can be created with this gorgeous eyeshadow extravaganza. These shimmers will ensure that you can dance the night away or get your freak on, either way you'll be looking STUH-NING.
We honestly don't know a sexier feeling than putting on lingerie that BAD GAL RIRI both designed and wore herself.
She is the badass queen of sexual empowerment, and you can be too. While Savage x Fenty is on the pricier side, it's ideal for a Christmas treat=.
The gorgeous range of body types and diversity which the brand represents is worth the money, imagine how extra you'd feel wearing this beautiful lace body.
This sex kit features 11 specially selected toys for endless fun.
Included in this spicy set is the all-time favourite rabbit vibrator, butt plug, G-spot vibe, rabbit ears, beads, rabbit rings among other products, it's pretty decent value.
Welcome to the weekend, ladies. Treat yourself, or a sexually empowered mate of yours, if they're brave enough to unwrap the gift.
Glydecondoms are vegan and made with sustainably harvested natural latex, so they're perfect for that environmentally friendly sexually empowered pal. I mean, they're even certified by PETA.
These condoms come in a variety of textures, flavours and sizes so they're just as good, if not better, than store-brand condoms like Durex, but suitable for everyone.
YES WB lubricants are some of the best in the business.
Made from organic aloe vera, it's arguably the top water-based lube on the market right now. Perfect for moisturising and nourishing skin, as well as for solo or shared pleasure experiences.
It's called YES for a reason, don't you think? *wink* (Did you really think we'd write a sex-themed article without numerous cheeky winks?)
This soft plush mask is a fun way to change up the bedroom repertoire.
Coming in gorgeous black and white gold packaging, it's a great gift idea for anyone looking to eliminate their sense of sight to boost their sense of pleasure.
The RIANNE S Classique is the essential vibrator for any woman, sexually empowered or not.
The toy is 100 percent medical grade silicon and is available in three different colours with golden details, as well as a cosmetic bag for other saucy essentials.
12. Long distance lamps…to give them a sign *winks*
Uncommon Goods are now stocking this majestic product, which is essentially the 2018 way of issuing a booty call from afar.
These hilarious and absolutely genius lamps allow you to let your lover know that you're thinking of them from afar with just one simple touch.
The lamps are connected by WiFi, so each time either you or your partner touches a magical lamp, the other will light up with a sensual glow. It's fun, it's modern, it's damn sexy.
This game is possibly the greatest creative experience of foreplay invented. Sexy Jenga? It sounds absurd, but trust us, you'll have more than a few laughs playing it.
Each block has a number that coincides with a task or position, so it's pretty darn great for trying out some new experiences with a lover.
This flirty chequebook from Love Honey ain't about finances, in case you hadn't guessed.
26 cheques to choose from and two blank ones for your own filthy minds to fill in, these are a gas gift for a sexually empowered friend who needs a little creativity.
When starting a new relationship, it’s always a good idea to start off slowly. No matter how much you want to rush into things, just take each day at a time.
Remember, you have all the time in the world and the slower the pace, the longer you’ll last.
Step 1: Stay rational
In the early stages of a new relationship, we have unrealistic expectations. We think we know everything about our lover and we imagine qualities in them that mightn’t even exist.
Tip: Think with your head as well as your heart.
Step 2: Set the standards
Sometimes we tend to turn a blind eye to the behaviors we don’t like in a man because we are scared to speak up.
Tip: If you don’t like something, let him know from the get go.
Step 3: Build a friendship
The foundation of a healthy relationship is built on friendship. So it’s important to spend time outside the bedroom so you can get to know each other.
Tip: Go for walks, cook together, hang out – it’s endless really.
