Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco addressed the media on May 23, 2024, regarding a lawsuit filed against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster for alleged monopolistic practices in the live concert industry.
“Today’s announcement reflects the latest efforts by the Justice Department to combat corporate misconduct,” Monaco stated. She emphasized that since the beginning of the current administration, there has been a focus on holding serious corporate wrongdoers accountable, including those involved in bribery, money laundering, and price-fixing.
Monaco detailed that the lawsuit alleges Live Nation-Ticketmaster engaged in anticompetitive behavior to solidify their dominance in the live concert market. “It lays out how Live Nation-Ticketmaster acts as the gatekeeper for an entire industry – reaching its proverbial hands into every stage of the concert lifecycle: from who promotes shows; to where they happen; to how they are ticketed,” she explained. According to Monaco, this conduct drives up fees for concertgoers.
The complaint accuses Live Nation of intentionally excluding competitors by limiting where shows can take place, who can sell tickets, and who benefits from them. Alleged tactics include long-term exclusive ticketing contracts, acquisitions of regional competitors, and threats of retaliation against venues.
Monaco described the lawsuit by the Justice Department Antitrust Division as a significant step toward preventing one company from controlling an entire industry. She asserted it would allow more venues, promoters, and ticket sellers to compete for major shows and make live music more accessible to fans and artists alike.
“When families want to attend a concert, the add-on fees they need to pay shouldn’t break the bank,” Monaco said. “When an independent venue wants to host the next big show, they should have the opportunity to compete. And when a regional promoter wants to publicize an artist, they shouldn’t have to fear retaliation.”
Monaco concluded her remarks by thanking members of the Antitrust Division and Assistant Attorney General Kanter for their work in protecting consumers, performers, and small businesses. She reiterated that their efforts are crucial in promoting fairness, driving deterrence, and advancing the rule of law within corporate enforcement missions.
###