Taylor Swift is undeniably one of the biggest cultural forces ever to grace the record industry, whose climb to the top takes one to do a double take on the legend’s playbook. However, Rome was not built overnight; likewise, neither was her blinding stardom. In the world of showbiz, even the glitziest stars have haters who turn into admirers, and Scott Borchetta's recent celebration of his 20th anniversary of meeting Taylor Swift has left the Swifties on edge. They have just one request for Borchetta: keep your distance.

Big Machine Records CEO Scott Borchetta, who was involved in a highly publicized dispute for selling Taylor Swift’s master recordings, recently took to his Instagram to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their first meeting. “Always proud of the art and the work she did while we were together… and just as proud of her now,” Borchetta wrote, recounting the day he believes changed their lives forever. Fans, too, feel that this day was a turning point for Swift—though not in the best way.

For those who may not know, Scott Borchetta sold Big Machine Records and, with it, the rights to Taylor Swift’s first six albums, to Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings, who later sold it to Shamrock Holdings. Their relationship was already strained, but things hit a breaking point when Borchetta proposed a contract that would only grant her the masters if she produced six more albums under Big Machine. This ultimatum drove the ‘Karma’ singer to take control of her career by re-recording her early work to reclaim her music and masters.

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Though fans are eagerly watching Swift’s every move for the remaining two re-recorded albums, Scott Borchetta’s recent tribute had them on high alert. They quickly raised their defenses, hurling accusations and calling names.

It may have occurred to a good deal why Taylor Swift fans always remain on the lookout for ‘Reputation (Taylor’s Version)’ and ‘Taylor Swift (Taylor’s Version)’. Consequently, people have also stormed their brains over why a re-recording is as important when the original album is still accessible and Swift's history with Scott Borchetta alone answers that. While Swifties are usually pros at flipping hate into love, that rule does not apply to the Big Machine Records CEO, and they have ensured he knows it.

Many likened Scott Borchetta’s social media move to that of an attention seeker, while others raised their eyebrows continually. 

Some fans saw this as a way of Borchetta reminding the world of the part he played once, having discovered Swift, since otherwise, all they remember is the bitter ways he tried to snatch what was hers from her. However, Swifties are not the least bit naïve, and despite the sugarcoating, they have made sure the walls stay up, and the guard does not slip because, this time, it is she and her fans against all things non-Swift.

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What do you think of Scott Borchetta's commemoration of meeting Taylor Swift 20 years ago? Let us know in the comments below!