Big Machine Label Group, the label that owns the masters of Taylor Swift's first six albums, was acquired by Scooter Braun in June. When Swift found out about Braun taking over Big Machine, she wrote on Tumblr, "I learned about Scooter Braun’s purchase of my masters as it was announced to the world. All I could think about was the incessant, manipulative bullying I’ve received at his hands for years."

She added, "Now Scooter has stripped me of my life’s work, that I wasn’t given an opportunity to buy. Essentially, my musical legacy is about to lie in the hands of someone who tried to dismantle it.

Justin Bieber came forward in support of Braun on Instagram, alongside Braun's wife, Yael Braun, and Sia. Then Sky Ferreira shared a message about exploitation in the music industry, and "ME!" collaborator Brendon Urie shared his support for Swift alongside Lily Allen.

Following the initial feud, Kelly Clarkson surggested that Swift should re-record her early releases in order to obtain the master rights.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tracy Smith asked Swift on CBS Sunday Morning if she plans to re-record her early music, to which Swift replied, "Oh yeah."

Smith then asked if it was "the plan", and Swift responded, "Yeah, absolutely."