A federal jury found Live Nation guilty of operating as an illegal monopoly, which could lead to the breakup of the entertainment giant and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster. The verdict is based on allegations that Live Nation's merger with Ticketmaster in 2010 created a dominant market position that stifled competition and allowed the company to charge exorbitant prices. Internal Slack messages showed employees joking about taking advantage of customers, including one conversation where they discussed raising parking prices by up to $20.
The jury's decision is the latest development in a lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 40 state attorneys general in 2024. The DOJ had tentatively settled with Live Nation last month, but 34 state attorneys general continued to pursue the case. Under the proposed settlement, Live Nation would pay a $280 million fine and divest at least 13 venues, requiring them to accept bookings from competing promoters.
However, given the jury's finding that Live Nation operated as an illegal monopoly, the consequences may be more severe. Judge Arun Subramanian will now determine remedies at a later date, which could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The verdict brings relief to concertgoers who have long complained about dynamic pricing and service fees.
The trial highlighted the company's treatment of customers, with internal messages showing employees joking about taking advantage of them. Live Nation argued that these remarks were "off-the-cuff banter" rather than evidence of a broader policy or attitude towards customers.
