Scooter Braun is setting the record straight on fan theories that Taylor Swift’s 2022 hit “Vigilante S–t” was inspired by his split from ex-wife Yael Cohen—and he’s even giving Swift credit for the buzz.

During the July 17 episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, Braun addressed the speculation directly. “No, because I talk to Yael every day,” he said. “My ex-wife is one of my best friends. We don’t even call each other ‘ex’—she’s my partner, the mother of my kids, and my family for life.”

He went on to explain their close bond, revealing he even has a “same team” tattoo as a reminder of their lifelong commitment to co-parenting. “We laugh about that stuff,” he added. “Neither of us ever thought the song was about us.”

Braun and Cohen finalized their divorce in September 2022 after seven years of marriage. The former couple, who share three children, reached an amicable settlement, agreeing to joint custody and a division of assets, including Braun paying child support.

Though he dismissed the rumors, Braun couldn’t help but acknowledge Swift’s savvy fan engagement. “It’s a great strategy move,” he joked, nodding to the speculation’s viral nature.

“Vigilante S–t”—featured on Swift’s Grammy-winning Midnights—includes lyrics that many fans interpreted as a dig at Braun. Lines like “Picture me thick as thieves with your ex-wife” and “Now she gets the house, gets the kids, gets the pride” fueled theories, especially given Swift’s history with Braun.

Their feud dates back to 2019, when Braun’s company acquired Swift’s former label, Big Machine Records—along with the masters to her first six albums—without her consent. Swift publicly condemned the deal, calling it “the worst-case scenario” and vowing to re-record her early work.

Braun later sold the catalog to Shamrock Capital for $300 million, but Swift ultimately reclaimed ownership earlier this year. In a heartfelt May post, she celebrated the victory, writing: “To say this is my greatest dream come true is an understatement. My fans made this possible—their love for ‘Taylor’s Version’ and The Eras Tour gave me the power to reclaim my life’s work.”

While Swift has never confirmed the inspiration behind “Vigilante S–t,” the drama continues to spark debate—proving, as Braun noted, that Swift’s storytelling (and marketing genius) remains unmatched.