Reed Welcomes Jury’s Ruling Against Ticketmaster-owner Live Nation Monopoly

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, a federal jury in Manhattan found that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, illegally engaged in monopoly-level control over ticketing, venues, and concert promotion at the expense of fans, artists, teams, and the venues themselves.

The antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation was initiated by the Biden Administration and was joined by 40 state attorneys general, including Rhode Island. Last month, the Trump Administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) reached a so-called deal with Live Nation and settled the lawsuit while the trial was already underway.

Over 25 states, including Rhode Island, continued pressing forward with litigation despite the administration's preliminary settlement. The federal jury today found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster unlawfully harmed competition in thirty-three states and the District of Columbia.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), who criticized the Trump Administration for shortchanging consumers with its half-hearted antitrust settlement, welcomed the jury's decision and called for additional action to protect consumers and cut down on 'junk fees.'

Today, Senator Reed issued the following statement: "Consumers shouldn't have to battle exorbitant, excessive, and inescapable ticket prices and fees just to go see their favorite artist or team play. But for too long, Ticketmaster has pinned fans under big fees while stifling competition so they have nowhere else to go.

"Ticketmaster and Live Nation's unlawful conduct must end permanently. And Congress must step up and pass meaningful legislation that helps American consumers by stopping monopolies from over-charging and pursuing control over their industries.

"The Trump Administration tried to side with big business to shortchange consumers by backing out of this important case. Its sweetheart deal with Live Nation would just allow Live Nation to continue over-charging fans in the future.

"Today, consumers won and the Trump Administration's big business-over-average Americans approach has failed once again."

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