A Manhattan federal jury has found that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster engaged in a harmful monopoly over major concert venues and ticket sales. The verdict came after a four-day deliberation in a lawsuit brought by dozens of U.S. states.
Live Nation, which owns or controls hundreds of venues, and Ticketmaster, the world's largest ticket seller, were accused of stifling competition. Prosecutors argued the company used its dominance to prevent venues from using multiple ticketing services, thereby driving up prices for consumers.
Live Nation defended its position, asserting that success is not illegal and that artists, teams, and venues determine pricing. However, evidence presented indicated Ticketmaster controls a significant majority of the concert and overall live event ticketing markets.
Past controversies, including a notable ticketing debacle involving Taylor Swift, were discussed, with Live Nation's CEO blaming cyberattacks. Internal company communications were also presented, showing executives discussing "outrageous" prices and customers being "so stupid."