Trending Now - Live Nation Trial Resumes Amid Customer Abuse Allegations

WHO:

Live Nation, Ticketmaster, U.S. Department of Justice, 40 states, Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, New York Attorney General Letitia James, Ben Baker (head of ticketing for Venue Nation), Jeff Weinhold (ticketing director)

WHAT:

More than 30 states will resume their antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster on March 16th, 2026.

Seven states joined the Justice Department in settling with Live Nation.

The other 32 states and the District of Columbia plan to continue litigation against Live Nation.

Live Nation employees bragged about charging high fees and “gouging” customers in private conversations.

Baker stated, “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them.”

Live Nation capped amphitheater venue fees at 15% and invested $1 billion in U.S. venues and fan amenities over the last 18 months.

WHERE:

New York, Florida, Virginia, Beverly Hills, California

WHEN:

The trial resumes on March 16th, 2026.

The Justice Department and 40 states sued Live Nation in 2024.

The settlement proposal was made on March 9th, 2026.

WHY:

The states allege that Live Nation and Ticketmaster are squelching competition and driving up prices for fans through threats and retaliation.

Live Nation claims the Justice Department’s allegations are “without merit” and that they will not admit any wrongdoing.

HOW:

The trial includes testimony and evidence regarding the practices of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Employees discussed pricing strategies and overcharges in private Slack messages.

(UPDATED March 14, 2026 05:24 UTC)

On March 16th, 2026, more than 30 states will resume their antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, following allegations that the companies are stifling competition and inflating prices for fans. The trial will include testimony about private conversations where Live Nation employees admitted to charging high fees, with one stating, “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them.” While seven states have settled with the Justice Department, the remaining 32 states and the District of Columbia are determined to continue their litigation against Live Nation.