A federal jury in Manhattan has found that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary hold an illegal monopoly over large concert venues, dealing a significant blow to the entertainment giant. The verdict, reached after four days of deliberation, stems from a lawsuit brought by dozens of US states alleging that the company stifled competition in the ticketing industry.
The civil case accused Live Nation of using its market power to block venues from using multiple ticket sellers and retaliating against those that did. Attorney Jeffrey Kessler, representing the states, called Live Nation a 'monopolistic bully' that drove up prices for consumers. The jury determined that Ticketmaster overcharged buyers by $1.72 per ticket, though a judge will decide total damages.
Live Nation has denied being a monopoly, arguing that artists, sports teams, and venues set prices and ticketing practices. Company lawyer David Marriott stated, 'Success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States.' Live Nation plans to appeal the ruling, expressing confidence that the final outcome will align with a previous settlement with the Department of Justice.
The trial revealed internal messages from a Live Nation executive calling some prices 'outrageous' and customers 'so stupid,' while boasting about 'robbing them blind, baby.' The executive, Benjamin Baker, testified that the messages were 'very immature and unacceptable.' The case also highlighted the company's control over 86% of the concert market and 73% when including sports events.
Ticketmaster, which merged with Live Nation in 2010, has faced criticism for decades. The recent trial came after the Justice Department settled its claims, requiring Live Nation to create a $280 million fund for participating states and cap service fees at some amphitheaters. However, the settlement does not force a split between Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and over 30 states pressed on with the trial, seeking stronger remedies.
