Live Nation settles $20 million in shareholder class action lawsuit

• Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, agreed to a $20 million settlement to resolve claims that it misled investors. The allegations centered on hiding legal risks related to anti-competitive practices and potential antitrust violations.
• Critics argue that Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s market dominance harms consumer choice and inflates ticket prices.
• The settlement is separate from an ongoing antitrust lawsuit by 40 states and the U.S. Department of Justice, which accuses Live Nation of blocking competition.

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Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, agreed to a $20 million settlement Friday, March 21. The Live Nation settlement addresses claims that the company misled investors and abused its market power.

In a 2023 lawsuit, investor Brian Donley accused the entertainment giant of hiding important legal risks tied to its business practices. Those risks, according to the lawsuit, included possible violations of antitrust laws.

The shareholder suit claimed Live Nation engaged in anti-competitive behavior, such as pressuring venues to exclusively use Ticketmaster. Donley alleged the company failed to disclose that these actions could lead to legal scrutiny and major fines.

Lawsuit alleges Live Nation inflated financial image

By not sharing this information, the lawsuit argued, Live Nation appeared more financially stable than it truly was. That false impression may have inflated its stock value.

Although they denied any wrongdoing, Live Nation agreed to the $20 million settlement, thus avoiding an expensive and prolonged legal battle. The settlement accounts for only a small portion of the $743 million shareholders were seeking.

Settlement highlights long-standing concerns over competition

The Live Nation settlement is just one piece of a much larger story.

Critics say the company’s dominance in ticketing and live events limits consumer choice. They argue it drives up prices and adds excessive fees for customers. The case renewed attention to how much control Live Nation and Ticketmaster have over the industry.

Public outrage escalated after Ticketmaster’s chaotic 2022 rollout of tickets for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour.” The sale left millions of fans locked out or stuck in virtual queues for hours. Some were booted from the platform entirely. Fans also complained of price gouging and sky-high fees.

The incident drew national attention and led to a Senate hearing. Swift later said she had been assured Ticketmaster could handle the demand.

That high-profile mishap helped fuel legal pressure from both investors and regulators.

More legal trouble ahead for Live Nation

It is important to note that this settlement is separate from a major antitrust lawsuit now underway in New York. That case was filed by a coalition of 40 states and the U.S. Department of Justice.

In that lawsuit, Live Nation is accused of inflating ticket prices and blocking out competition. The company continues to deny all allegations.