Government files lawsuit against Ticketmaster owner, seeks to dismantle company’s live event monopoly

The Justice Department has taken a bold step by suing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, for allegedly running an illegal monopoly over live events in America. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Manhattan with the support of 30 state and district attorneys general, aims to dismantle the system that stifles competition and drives up prices for fans.

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-Ticketmaster. The government accused Live Nation of using tactics such as threats and retaliation to control virtually every aspect of the industry, from concert promotion to ticketing, resulting in exorbitant fees for fans.

Consumers like Ricky Palitti and Jacob DeLong shared their experiences of paying high prices for tickets through Ticketmaster, with Palitti noting that the additional fees significantly hike up the cost. Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter highlighted that live music should not be limited to those who can afford to pay the Ticketmaster tax.

Live Nation has denied violating antitrust laws and criticized the lawsuit, stating that it won’t address the issues fans care about, such as ticket prices and service fees. However, legal experts believe that the Justice Department has a strong case and that a breakup between Live Nation and Ticketmaster could lead to lower ticket prices and increased competition in the industry.