The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday accusing Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation of illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry. The 128-page civil suit alleges that Live Nation has thwarted competition and burdened consumers through its ownership of Ticketmaster, giving it control over much of the market for live entertainment.
The lawsuit comes after Ticketmaster’s mishandling of ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in 2022, which sparked public outcry over Live Nation’s dominance in the industry. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the suit, stating that it is time to break up Live Nation’s monopoly in the live concert industry.
The federal suit, joined by 29 states and the District of Columbia, accuses Live Nation of blocking innovation in the industry and using its control to charge customers fees and attract major artists. The complaint alleges that Live Nation’s monopoly harms consumers and artists, with the company using its power to squeeze money from both parties.
Live Nation responded to the lawsuit, stating that it won’t solve the issues fans care about and that competition has eroded Ticketmaster’s market share. Artists testified at a Senate hearing about Live Nation’s power over them, with one band member highlighting how the company’s control over venues, ticket sales, and promotions gives it outsized power in negotiations.
The lawsuit seeks structural changes to Live Nation’s business practices, potentially including breaking apart the company. The case highlights the ongoing battle between regulators and industry giants over fair competition and consumer rights in the live entertainment sector.
