DOJ files lawsuit to break up Ticketmaster and Live Nation, citing accusations of “monopolistic dominance”

The Justice Department has taken a bold step by filing a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation Entertainment. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan, alleges that the companies have been running an illegal monopoly over live events in America, stifling competition and driving up prices for fans.

With the support of 30 state and district attorneys general, the lawsuit seeks to break up the alleged monopoly that is said to be squeezing out smaller promoters, harming artists, and burdening fans with excessive fees. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the need to restore competition and innovation in the entertainment industry, stating that it is time to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster to benefit the American people.

The Justice Department accused Live Nation of using various tactics, including threats and retaliation, to maintain a stronghold on the industry, from concert promotion to ticketing. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter highlighted the importance of fighting for competition to ensure that live music remains accessible to all fans.

Live Nation has denied violating antitrust laws and argued that the lawsuit will not address the issues that fans care about, such as ticket prices, service fees, and access to popular shows. The company plans to defend itself against the allegations and advocate for other reforms.

This lawsuit is part of the Biden administration’s aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement, targeting companies accused of engaging in illegal monopolies that exclude competitors and drive up prices. Ticketmaster, as the world’s largest ticket seller, has faced criticism and backlash from artists and fans over the years, sparking debates about fair pricing and competition in the live entertainment industry.