Justice Department expected to file antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, owner of Ticketmaster

The Justice Department is expected to file an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the owner of Ticketmaster, as early as Thursday, May 23, in a New York federal court. The DOJ’s actions could range from demanding the company halt any illegal practices to pursuing a more drastic measure of asking a court to break up the company.

This action follows allegations that the company has abused its position as a concert promoter, ticket seller and venue owner to suppress competition, leading to reduced consumer choice and higher ticket prices.

“We have reached a turning point in antitrust enforcement, not because we as enforcers — not just because we as enforcers believe it’s important, but because the public is demanding it,” Jonathan Kanter, the Justice Department’s top antitrust official, said during an event with The Washington Post in May.

The lawsuit is a response to public outcry, notably after Ticketmaster’s mishandling of ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in 2022, which led to significant backlash from fans and politicians.

The incident prompted lawmakers to intensely question Joe Berchtold, president and CFO of Live Nation Entertainment, during a three-hour hearing. Senators challenged Berchtold on whether his company’s dominance in the industry was hurting competitors, musicians and fans.

“I want to congratulate and thank you for an absolutely stunning achievement,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. “You have brought together Republicans and Democrats in an absolutely unified cause.”