Pennsylvania joins Department of Justice, 29 other states in Live Nation, Ticketmaster lawsuit

George Stockburger
·1 min read

(WHTM) – Pennsylvania, along with the Department of Justice and 29 other states, is suing Live Nation and Ticketmaster for allegedly monopolizing the live entertainment industry and engaging in anti-competitive practices.

The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, alleges Live Nation “has maintained its anti-competitive monopoly in ticketing markets by locking up venues through restrictive long-term, exclusive agreements and by threatening that venues will lose access to Live Nation-controlled tours and artists if they sign with a rival ticketing company.”

Also alleged in the lawsuit is conduct that harms consumers through higher fees, a lack of transparency, fewer choices, and less innovation.

“Live Nation and Ticketmaster have long had a chokehold on much of the live entertainment industry,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said. “Consumers who want to see one of their favorite bands, artists, or shows, are likely to encounter Live Nation and Ticketmaster at the gates. Pennsylvanians deserve to have fair and competitive choices when it comes to tickets to live entertainment.”

The complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and Pennsylvania is represented by First Deputy Attorney General James Donahue, Executive Deputy Attorney General Mark Pacella, Chief Deputy Attorney General Tracy Wertz, Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Joseph Betsko, and Senior Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Thomson. Pennsylvania is joined in the complaint by the Attorneys General of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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