Justin Bieber faces backlash over using stolen Taylor Swift song

Justin Bieber had Taylor Swift’s popular song Bad Blood soundtrack in his post. The problem is that he did not use

Taylor’s Version, the 1989 (Taylor’s Version) re-recording from 2023. What he did instead was play the original 2014 version, the one to which Swift no longer owns the rights because of her very publicized quarrel with Scooter Braun and Big Machine Records.

Justin Bieber used Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" (stolen version) on his IG story pic.twitter.com/88Eyz9l1jK

— Taylor Swift Data (@spotify_swift) March 14, 2025

For Taylor Swift’s devotees, this wasn’t merely an oversight—it seemed like a calculated move. Considering Bieber’s history with Braun, who was instrumental in the highly criticized acquisition of Swift’s masters, most people feel Bieber’s song selection was deliberate.

The feud between Braun and Swift has been ongoing since 2019, when Braun’s company, Ithaca Holdings, purchased Big Machine Records and, as a result, the masters of Swift’s first six albums. Swift publicly criticized the deal as her “worst-case scenario” and blamed Braun for decades of manipulation.

Bieber also publicly defended Braun at the time, even going so far as to defend him in an Instagram post that appeared to ridicule Swift’s response. This past history has only furthered speculation that Bieber’s recent post was a veiled demonstration of ongoing loyalty to Braun.

Unsurprisingly, Swift’s loyal fanbase wasted no time calling Bieber out for his choice of music. Many took to social media to express their frustration, emphasizing that Bieber’s decision to use the “stolen” version of Bad Blood spoke volumes. One user onTwitter wrote, “ofc it’s the stolen version.” Another added, “are you dumb that’s literally stolen version to no one’s surprise.”

Justin Bieber used Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" (stolen version) on his IG story pic.twitter.com/88Eyz9l1jK

— Taylor Swift Data (@spotify_swift) March 14, 2025

Some fans even suggested Bieber knew exactly what he was doing. “We can tell that he’s still supporting Scooter by the version of the song. Not surprising tho,” one Swiftie pointed out. Another fan urged others not to fall for Bieber’s actions, saying, “He’s using a non Taylor’s version on purpose, please don’t fall for this. He’s still trashy.”

As Swifties are warring online about Bieber’s post, the singer herself appears to be avoiding the drama. Swift is currently said to be taking some much-needed R&R with her beau, Kansas City Chiefs football star Travis Kelce.
Having just finished up a grueling NFL season, Kelce has been keeping company with Swift, with insiders saying the pair are “laying low” and taking private vacations and low-key nights out.

This latest controversy reignites past tensions between Bieber and Swift’s fanbase, further fueling the ongoing divide over the ownership of her music. While Bieber has not addressed the backlash, the response from Swift’s supporters makes one thing clear—when it comes to Taylor’s music, fans are always watching.