Taylor Swift used the Billboard Women in Music stage to address a series of issues including her ongoing beef with Scooter Braun.
Swift was awarded the first-ever woman of the decade honor during the 14th annual event Thursday night, the 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 knowledge.
The Grammy-winning singer also called out Braunâs supporters.
âThe definition of the toxic male privilege in our industry is people saying âBut heâs always been nice to me,â when Iâm raising valid concerns about artists owning their rights to own their music,â Swift said. âOf course heâs nice to you. If youâre in this room, he has something that he needs.â
Swift, Alicia Keys and Billie Eilish were among the music artists who were recognized at the event, which celebrated the achievements of top female performers and executives in the music industry. Rosalia and Megan Thee Stallion, who were also honored, performed during the live stream show.
The beef began after Swift discovered that Braunâs Ithaca Holdings owned her master recordings. It was announced in June that he acquired Big Machine Label Group, the label led by Scott Borchetta and home to Swiftâs first six albums.
Braun, who manages Grammy winners including Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Tori Kelly, wrote a lengthy post on social media that heâs made calls to have an open discussion with Swift and squash their differences, but said heâs been rejected. However, the singer said she hasnât heard a word from him.
âNone of these investors have ever bothered to contact me or my team directly to perform their due diligence on their investment,â she said. âThey didnât ask how I might feel about the owner of my art, the music I wrote, the photos of me, my handwriting, my album designs. Scooter never contacted me or my team to discuss it prior to the sell or even before it was announced.â
The event handed out a series of awards. Keys received an impact award, Eilish snagged woman of the year, Brandi Carlile won trailblazer award, Rosalia claimed the rising star honor, Megan Thee Stallion was recognized for being a powerhouse and Nicki Minaj took home the game changer award.
During her speech, Minaj paid her respects to the late rapper Juice WRLD, who died at the age of 21 after suffering a seizure at a Chicago airport on Sunday. She also talked a moment when WRLD suggested she âstay calm and prayâ before walking on stage during a tour.q
