Trending Now - Live Nation CEO Defends Company Amid Antitrust Trial Comments
WHO:
Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment
Jeffrey Kessler, lawyer representing nearly three dozen states
Benjamin Baker, key ticketing employee at Live Nation
Live Nation, owner of Ticketmaster
U.S. Justice Department
WHAT:
Michael Rapino testified at a civil antitrust trial in Manhattan.
Live Nation is accused of operating as a monopoly by charging high fees through exclusivity deals.
Rapino described internal messages discussing ticket fees as “disgusting.”
Rapino stated he is “very proud” of the business he built.
Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
The federal government settled its role in the case on March 12th, 2026, winning concessions from Live Nation.
33 states and the District of Columbia are continuing the court fight against Live Nation.
Ticketmaster charges a 20% fee for secondary market ticket sales.
Benjamin Baker referred to ticket fees as “f—ing outrageous” and said some customers were “so stupid.”
WHERE:
The trial is taking place in Manhattan, New York.
Live Nation owns 40 amphitheaters across the United States.
WHEN:
The trial began on March 16th, 2026.
The internal messages discussed were sent in 2022.
The federal government settled its role in the case on March 12th, 2026.
WHY:
The lawsuit aims to address allegations of monopolistic practices and high ticket fees affecting consumers.
HOW:
Rapino defended Live Nation's practices by stating they organized a fragmented industry to better serve artists and fans.
Rapino acknowledged that if an artist wants to perform at a Live Nation venue, they must use Live Nation's promoter.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 23:14 UTC)
In a civil antitrust trial that began last Thursday in Manhattan, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino testified about the company's practices amid accusations of monopolistic behavior and high ticket fees. Rapino described internal messages about ticket fees as “disgusting” while defending the company's role in organizing a fragmented industry, stating that artists must use Live Nation's promoter if they wish to perform at one of its venues. The trial continues as 33 states and the District of Columbia pursue their case against Live Nation, following a federal settlement that was reached on March 12, which included concessions from the company.