Federal Jury Rules Live Nation Acted as Monopoly, Orders Damages for Overcharges

Jury Verdict on Monopoly and Overcharges

A federal jury in Manhattan found that Live Nation operated as a monopoly and overcharged fans.

The verdict came after four days of deliberations following a seven-week trial in New York City. 72 on each ticket sold over several years.

Trial Background and Participants The lawsuit was filed by the U.S.

S. states. S.

Department of Justice reached a settlement with Live Nation and Ticketmaster in March and withdrew from the case just as it was about to start. The states of Arkansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota pulled out of the lawsuit.

Company Data and Response Live Nation

Organized more than 55,000 concerts worldwide last year, drawing 159 million attendees.

Live Nation stated that the jury's verdict is not the last word on this matter, according to the company. Live Nation submitted a request to the court to reject expert testimony related to how the award for damages was calculated, and noted there were other pending motions that could alter the outcome of the case, according to the company.

State and Congressional Reactions

“We are incredibly proud of today's outcome - and especially proud of our coalition made up of red and blue states alike who understood we needed to come together to protect our consumers, businesses, and state economies from Live Nation's illegal conduct.”

“— California Attorney General Rob Bonta A group of Democratic senators sent a letter earlier this week criticizing the DOJ for settling with Live Nation. The letter stated that Ticketmaster controls more than 70% of all major concert venues with exclusive ticketing contracts, according to the Democratic senators' letter. The letter also stated that Live Nation controls 80% of the major concert amphitheatres market, according to the Democratic senators' letter.”