From summer boyfriend to trusted adviser: What began as a surprising fling between Sydney Sweeney, 28, and Scooter Braun, 45 — the man who discovered Justin Bieber and managed some of the music industry's biggest names over the years, including Ariana Grande — is gradually becoming something much more significant.
According to a report by Page Six, Braun himself initially told friends that Sweeney was "too young" after the two met at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's wedding in Italy last year. But reality, it seems, developed very differently.
While people in new relationships are usually still debating minor issues like whose place to binge-watch at and what to order for delivery, Braun has in recent months become one of the most influential people in the "Euphoria" star's life — just as she found herself at the center of a media storm.
According to a source close to the couple, Braun helped Sweeney deal with the intense backlash sparked by her widely discussed American Eagle campaign, along with criticism and debates surrounding her political views.
Sweeney appeared in the campaign under the slogan "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," saying: "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality and even eye color. My jeans are blue." America erupted, and Sweeney was accused of holding conservative and racist views. How did she get through it? With some help and support from her partner, apparently.
"He’s someone in her corner," the source said. "Someone she can ask for advice or support." The source insisted the relationship is not transactional, as is often assumed in Hollywood circles. "It’s genuine support. Neither one of them need each other for anything. They don’t have a transactional relationship."
But not everyone is convinced by that version. Another source close to Sweeney and her family claimed Braun already occupies too central a role in the actress's life.
"He’s calling the shots. He’s in charge," the source said. "This is not who she is. She normally keeps her private life private. Her career is clearly something she’s worked very hard for. She’s this up-and-coming, beautiful successful young woman."
On the other hand, another friend of Sweeney's offered a more favorable view, saying Braun gives her a significant advantage. According to the source, he advises her on professional decisions and helps her navigate her career at a critical stage. After all, Braun has experience managing one or two artists. "[Sweeney] needs him to get to the next level," the friend said.
Either way, last September, a gossip columnist familiar with the couple said they were moving at "full throttle" and that this was "not a casual relationship."
"[Braun] is picky about who he lets in his inner circle," the source said. "If he is with her, it’s not about what she looks like or celebrity, but means he really likes her. They’re very happy together. They’re really enjoying each other."
Most recently, Sweeney organized an elaborate birthday celebration for Braun. "She planned [it] for a month," a source said. "The detail that she took was next level."
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Sydney Sweeney, center, and Scooter Braun, second from left, pose with friends while celebrating the New York Knicks' NBA championship victory
(Photo: Screengrab)
According to the source, the actress personally called family members and longtime friends to invite them to the event. Guests reportedly included Jessica Alba, Tom Hanks and rapper Warren G, who performed "Regulate," Braun's favorite song.
And if that wasn't enough, during the NBA Finals, Sweeney surprised Braun, a devoted New York Knicks fan, with tickets for him, his father and his brother. Afterward, Braun said he "can't stop smiling," and following the Knicks' historic victory, he appeared in a video posted online saying: "Syd, I love you and your family so much. You're the greatest good luck charm for a New York Knicks and Jets fan in history."
SMeanwhile, while Sweeney films a new movie in Australia, the couple continue to provide plenty of affectionate photo opportunities. Over the weekend, they were photographed strolling through Sydney, climbing the city's famous Harbour Bridge with Braun's children — Jagger, 11, Levi, 9, and Hart, 7 — and exchanging hugs and kisses in front of cameras.
The only question still unanswered is whether Scooter Braun is simply a supportive partner, or whether he has already become the most influential figure behind one of Hollywood's biggest stars. For now, that depends on whom you ask.