The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, accusing the entertainment giant of monopolistic practices that harm consumers and stifle competition in the live events industry. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, aims to break up the company to restore fair competition.
Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the lawsuit, stating that Live Nation “relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry.” Garland emphasized that the lawsuit’s goal is to benefit small live event promoters and enhance consumer choices. The legal action comes in the wake of widespread criticism of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, especially after the chaotic ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2022, which led to a Senate hearing.
Live Nation has dismissed the allegations as “absurd,” claiming that the lawsuit “ignores everything that is actually responsible for higher ticket prices.” The company argues that it does not engage in anticompetitive practices and that its actions are necessary to manage complex logistics and high demand for popular events.
States Join the Fight Against Live Nation
Washington State
(Seattle, WA) — Washington state has joined the DOJ’s lawsuit against Live Nation. Attorney General Bob Ferguson stated that Live Nation’s parent company, Ticketmaster, violated antitrust laws by eliminating rivals and increasing barriers for other companies. Ferguson highlighted the impact on local venues managed by Live Nation, such as the Gorge Amphitheater in George, the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater in Ridgefield, and the White River Amphitheater in Auburn. The suit seeks civil penalties and restitution to address the competitive harm done to the market.
Oregon
(Salem, OR) — Oregon is also part of the coalition suing Live Nation. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum emphasized that Live Nation’s anticompetitive behavior negatively affects fans and artists by stifling innovation, limiting consumer choices, adding fees, and resulting in higher prices. She described the lawsuit as a significant move for Oregonians, aiming to dismantle the monopolistic control that Live Nation holds over the live events industry.
The lawsuit against Live Nation is supported by 29 states and the District of Columbia, reflecting a broad consensus among state attorneys general that the company’s practices are harmful to competition and consumers alike. The coalition argues that Live Nation’s dominance in ticket sales, event promotion, and venue management creates an unfair market environment, driving up prices and reducing options for both fans and performers.
As the case progresses, it is poised to have far-reaching implications for the live events industry. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to significant changes in how concerts and other live events are ticketed and promoted in the United States, potentially opening the market to new competitors and innovation.
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