Justice Department, 30 States Sue to Break Up Live Nation-Ticketmaster Monopoly

May 23, 2024, 02:51 PM

The U.S. Justice Department, alongside 30 states, has filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster. The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation has maintained an illegal monopoly over the live entertainment and ticketing industry, driving up prices for fans and stifling competition. The Justice Department claims that Live Nation controls over 80% of primary ticket sales at major U.S. venues and has used its dominance to force artists and venues to use its services or face retaliation. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, 'It is time to break up Live Nation.' The lawsuit seeks to dismantle the merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster to restore competition in the market. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court.