What began as a surprise romance between 28-year-old Sydney Sweeney and 45-year-old Scooter Braun is now being described as something much more significant. Braun, the music executive who discovered Justin Bieber and has managed major stars such as Ariana Grande, reportedly met Sweeney at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding in Italy last year. According to Page Six, Braun initially told friends Sweeney was “too young,” but the relationship developed anyway.
As Sweeney faced intense backlash over her American Eagle campaign and renewed criticism of her political views, a source said Braun became one of the most important people in her life. “He is someone who is always on her side,” the source said, adding that she trusts him for advice and support. That source denied the relationship was transactional, saying, “There is no business or utilitarian relationship between them, they really love each other and want to be together.”
Not everyone around Sweeney agrees. Another source close to her and her family said Braun appears to be taking too much control. “Sometimes it seems like he is the one making the decisions. As if he is the one in charge,” the source said, arguing that Sweeney is successful on her own and “does not need his advice.” A different friend said Braun helps with career decisions and is guiding her through a key stage in her rise.
In September, a gossip source said the pair were going “full speed ahead” and were not casually dating. More recently, Sweeney threw Braun an elaborate birthday party, planning it for a month and personally inviting family members and old friends. Guests included Jessica Alba, Tom Hanks and rapper Warren G, who performed “Regulate.” She also surprised Braun, a devoted New York Knicks fan, with NBA Finals tickets for him, his father and his brother. They were later seen in Sydney, Australia, where Sweeney is filming a new movie, walking the city, climbing the Harbour Bridge with Braun’s children, and exchanging hugs and kisses in public.
