Renowned music executive Scooter Braun has opened up about his fractured relationship with rapper Kanye West, revealing that the two no longer share a connection. During a candid appearance on the Question Everything podcast on Thursday, the 44-year-old former talent manager said he feels as though he’s lost someone he once deeply respected — not through death, but through change.
“I don’t know him anymore,” Braun stated bluntly when asked about the current state of his relationship with the controversial rapper.
Braun, who has managed and worked with global stars like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Demi Lovato, once counted Kanye among his friends and collaborators. But that bond has unraveled in recent years, largely due to West’s increasingly erratic public behavior and a string of incendiary and anti-Semitic remarks that drew widespread outrage in 2022 and beyond.
Reflecting on Kanye’s inflammatory social media posts and public appearances, Braun was clear in distancing himself from the person West has become.
“I think the person that I knew wasn’t someone who says those things,” Braun said. “Sometimes the hardest thing to do with someone you care about is mourn them while they’re still here.”
That sense of loss permeated Braun’s tone throughout the conversation, as he expressed sadness rather than anger. According to him, the man behind hit albums like The College Dropout and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy — someone who once pushed creative boundaries and inspired millions — has seemingly been replaced by someone he no longer recognizes.
“The person that I knew is not the person that I’m seeing, so I don’t have a relationship anymore,” Scooter Braun continued.
When pressed on whether he believes Kanye can be “steered back” toward a better path, Braun avoided speculation. Instead, he chose to shift the focus to his own personal responsibilities, notably as a father.
“I have three beautiful kids that need a dad to focus on them and make sure they’re prepared and strong in this world. That’s going to be my focus,” Braun said, drawing a clear line between his past and his present priorities.
Scooter Braun Says He No Longer Knows Kanye West, Reflects on Lost Friendship
The music mogul’s comments reflect the difficult choices many in the entertainment industry have had to make regarding Kanye West in recent years. Once regarded as a creative genius and influential cultural icon, West has since become one of the most divisive figures in modern music and fashion. His remarks, particularly those targeting Jewish communities, have resulted in the loss of business partnerships, endorsements, and long-time friendships — including his deal with Adidas and his representation by top-tier agencies.
For Scooter Braun, who is Jewish, West’s anti-Semitic rhetoric may have added an even deeper layer of personal pain and disappointment to their falling out. His decision to speak publicly about the severed relationship is a rare move for someone who, until recently, preferred to keep such matters private.
Scooter Braun’s career, once defined by his role as a powerhouse manager behind some of the world’s biggest pop acts, has shifted in recent years. He announced in 2023 that he would step away from the day-to-day management of artists, opting instead to focus on broader ventures under his company HYBE America. The pivot appears to reflect a broader realignment of his priorities — both professionally and personally.
While Kanye West has largely disappeared from the public eye in 2024 and 2025, reports suggest he continues to work on new music and remains active in the fashion world, albeit far from the spotlight he once dominated. His inner circle has reportedly grown smaller, and many of his past collaborators —Scooter Braun now among them — have chosen to distance themselves.
Despite the emotional tone of Braun’s remarks, there was no bitterness. If anything, his words were marked by reflection, empathy, and a willingness to let go of a past friendship that had once meant something profound.
“It’s painful,” Scooter Braun admitted. “But sometimes you have to accept that people change, and not always for the better.”
Though it’s unlikely fans will see another collaboration between Braun and West anytime soon, the former manager’s decision to speak out underscores how deeply Kanye’s transformation has affected those who once stood by him.
For now, Scooter Braun is focused on family, new business ventures, and helping shape the future of music through more measured, thoughtful engagement. As for his friendship with Kanye West — it appears that chapter has closed.
