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DOJ and 30 States File 128-Page Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

May 24, 2024, 11:59 AM

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a major antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, alleging that the companies have created an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry. The lawsuit, which is supported by 30 states, including Colorado and California, and the District of Columbia, seeks to break up the two entities to restore competition and lower ticket prices for consumers. The DOJ accuses Live Nation and Ticketmaster of engaging in predatory practices, inflating concert ticket prices, and stifling competition through their market dominance. The lawsuit follows widespread criticism from fans and artists over high ticket prices and limited availability, exacerbated by incidents such as the Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket fiasco. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the need to break up the monopoly. Experts suggest that while the lawsuit aims to benefit consumers and artists, it may take time before any tangible relief is felt. The DOJ's 128-page case has sparked a wave of new consumer antitrust lawsuits against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, with potential damages amounting to billions of dollars.