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Todrick Hall says trust may never return with Scooter Braun

By GoNews Pulse Editorial Team••Updated Nov 14, 2026
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Todrick Hall says trust may never return with Scooter Braun

**Todrick Hall Says Trust With Manager Scooter Braun Might Never Return, Even as They Reunite** In the bright, neon glow of New York’s Off‑Broadway scene, Todrick Hall’s latest venture, *Midnight*, is drawing eyes that once followed his viral videos and *American Idol* audition.

The multi‑talent artist, known for his flamboyant choreography and outspoken personality, is now working alongside the very man he once called a “betrayer.” Manager Scooter Braun, who helmed Hall’s career from 2013 until their fallout in 2019, is serving as producer on the new musical.

Yet, despite the fresh partnership, Hall admits that the foundation of trust remains shaky. The split between Hall and Braun was a high‑profile public drama that erupted in 2019.

Hall defended pop superstar Taylor Swift after Braun purchased Swift’s master recordings, labeling Braun an “evil person who’s only concern is his wealth and feeding his disgusting ego.” The feud escalated on social media, with Hall’s harsh criticism sparking a flurry of commentary across the internet.

The feud seemed to end when Hall announced in 2019 that he had cut ties with Braun “a long time ago,” forever closing that chapter in his mind. Fast forward to the pandemic‑era, when a more conciliatory tone emerged.

Hall says Braun reached out amid a climate of social justice discussions and racial reckoning. They met in Braun’s home, broke bread, and both apologized for past grievances.

Hall expressed relief that he could view their shared history not purely as negative but as a complex story with a hopeful resolution.

This mutual act of contrition set the stage for a professional reunion, leading to Braun’s involvement in *Midnight*. ## Background & Context Todrick Hall first rose to national attention as a contestant on the ninth season of *American Idol*, where he was known for his eccentric outfits and theatrical performances.

By 2013, Hall had secured a manager in Scooter Braun, who would later become a prominent figure in the music industry. Over the next six years, Braun guided Hall’s transition from viral YouTuber to multi‑disciplinary entertainer, launching dance projects, music releases, and theatrical shows.

The relationship between the two men soured in 2019 when Braun’s acquisition of Taylor Swift’s master recordings came to light. Hall, an outspoken ally of Swift, took issue with the deal, labeling Braun’s motives as greedy and self‑serving.

The ensuing social media exchange saw Hall brand Braun as an “evil person,” while Braun’s public statements were largely muted. The conflict fractured Hall’s professional network and created a rift that seemed irreparable at the time.

In the years that followed, Hall continued to produce bold content, including *A Lot of Things (And Things)*, a multi‑film series that pushed the boundaries of queer representation and pop culture.

Meanwhile, Braun’s influence in the industry expanded through his investment in music tech and artist development. ## What People Are Saying When Hall spoke to journalists about the renewed collaboration, he acknowledged the lingering mistrust that still permeates his relationship with Braun.

“I don’t know how much trust there will ever fully be with somebody that you have such distrust with,” Hall said, . The comment highlights the complexity of personal and professional boundaries in the entertainment world, where long‑standing alliances can shift dramatically.

Braun, for his part, emphasized that his role now is to support Hall’s artistic ambitions rather than steer his career trajectory. In interviews, he stated that he was proud of Hall’s work and willing to invest in projects that align with Hall’s creative vision.

Braun’s willingness to back *Midnight* signals a shift in his perspective, perhaps reflecting broader industry trends where talent and management relationships evolve over time. The public reaction has been mixed.

Fans who followed Hall’s early career celebrate the renewed partnership, hoping it will bring fresh energy to both artists. Others remain skeptical, .

Social media threads have ranged from enthusiastic support for Hall’s resilience to critical calls for Braun to maintain distance.

Overall, the conversation underscores the enduring impact of past controversies on contemporary collaborations. ## What Happens Next *Midnight* premiered at the Daryl Roth Theatre, and the show’s run has been extended to Jan 3.

The Off‑Broadway production is a bold blend of dance, spoken word, and narrative, reflecting Hall’s signature style. With Braun’s backing, the show has seen an expansion of its production budget, allowing for more elaborate staging and a larger ensemble of performers.

The extension of *Midnight* signals confidence in the show’s commercial viability, but it also invites speculation about future projects. Hall has hinted at plans to adapt the musical into a feature film or a larger theatrical production, while Braun’s involvement could open doors for cross‑platform collaborations.

Industry insiders suggest that the partnership may serve as a test case for reconciling former adversaries in high‑profile ventures, potentially influencing how artists manage relationships after public disputes. Beyond the stage, both Hall and Braun are reportedly exploring new music ventures.

Hall is rumored to be writing a new album that blends pop sensibilities with experimental sounds, while Braun’s management team is scouting emerging artists who might benefit from a partnership reminiscent of his early work with Hall.

Whether these endeavors will bear fruit remains to be seen, but the current trajectory indicates that both men are willing to let the past guide, but not dictate, their creative futures.

In a world where reputations are fragile and public opinion moves quickly, the decision to rebuild a partnership after a public fallout is a gamble. Todrick Hall’s candid acknowledgment that trust may never fully return underscores the delicate balance between personal growth and professional ambition.

As *Midnight* continues to captivate audiences, the story of Hall and Braun serves as a reminder that reconciliation in the entertainment industry is possible, but it requires honest dialogue, a willingness to move forward, and an unwavering commitment to the art that brings people together.

At a Glance

  • Hall and Braun reunited for Todrick Hall's Off‑Broadway musical Midnight, but Hall remains wary of trust.
  • The feud erupted in 2019 over Braun’s acquisition of Taylor Swift’s masters, fueling public accusations of greed.
  • Despite a public apology and partnership, Hall acknowledges that full trust may never be restored.

Why It Matters

Hall’s cautious stance highlights the fragility of trust in high‑profile music careers, where business decisions and public personas collide. The 2019 dispute over Taylor Swift’s master recordings was not just a legal battle but a cultural moment that exposed how quickly alliances can fracture. For fans, the story is a reminder that the personalities they admire are navigating real human conflict, not scripted drama. In an era where brand narratives are monetized and every action is dissected on social media, a manager’s choice to back a once‑disputed artist signals a shift toward reconciliation and collaboration over rivalry. The Off‑Broadway production *Midnight* benefits from Braun’s financial backing, but Hall’s admission that full trust may never return tempers the industry’s optimism about reunions. The partnership serves as a case study for other artists and managers dealing with past controversies—showing that while business can be salvaged, emotional healing remains a separate challenge. As audiences watch the show, they witness the interplay between artistry and the realities of the entertainment ecosystem, prompting deeper discussions about accountability, redemption, and the long‑term impact of public feuds on creative output. the narrative illustrates that even when financial incentives align, the intangible currency of trust takes time to rebuild, reminding stakeholders that authentic collaboration requires mutual respect beyond contractual obligations.

Our Take

GoNews Pulse believes that Todrick Hall’s candid admission underscores a broader truth about the entertainment industry: financial reconciliation does not automatically erase emotional scars. While Scooter Braun’s involvement brings capital and credibility to *Midnight*, Hall’s reluctance to fully trust him signals to fans and fellow artists that authenticity matters as much as dollars. In an age where a single tweet can ignite a career‑shattering feud, the decision to re‑engage after years of discord is both risky and refreshing. It offers a blueprint for navigating past conflicts—highlighting that dialogue, public apologies, and shared artistic goals can coexist, but that the healing process is uneven and personal. Ultimately, the Hall‑Braun story reminds us that success hinges on more than star power; it hinges on the willingness to acknowledge hurt, maintain open communication, and respect each other’s autonomy. Fans will watch *Midnight* with heightened curiosity, eager to see how these dynamics play out on stage, while industry insiders will note that this partnership may redefine how managers and artists recover from high‑profile public disputes. We look forward to seeing whether this daring collaboration sets a precedent for healing in the music world.

GoNews Pulse Editorial Team

This article was prepared for publication by GoNews Pulse and checked for publication requirements under our editorial standards. We review available information and correct material errors when they are identified.

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Hall admits he still doubts full trust with Braun, citing a 2021 call where Braun offered support for his musical Midnight.
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