US to sue Ticketmaster owner Live Nation
The US Justice Department (DOJ) plans to file a competition lawsuit against entertainment giant Live Nation as early as Thursday, multiple sources confirmed to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
According to these sources, prosecutors are expected to challenge the business practices of Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster.
When the DOJ sues over competition issues, it often aims to force a company to divest parts of its business or change its operations.
The DOJ declined to comment when contacted by the BBC, which has also requested a statement from Live Nation.
Numerous state attorneys general will join the federal government in this legal challenge, CBS News reported.
The move follows a years-long investigation by the DOJ’s antitrust division. CBS News reported in 2022 that the Justice Department was examining the practices of Live Nation and its Ticketmaster unit.
Live Nation Entertainment was formed by the 2010 merger of the US-based events promoter Live Nation and the ticket sales and distribution company Ticketmaster.
The company has faced increasing criticism from fans, lawmakers, artists, and competitors, who accuse it of having too much control over live entertainment events in the US and globally.
In November 2022, Ticketmaster angered Taylor Swift fans when its website crashed during a pre-sale period for the Eras Tour.
After news of the DOJ case was reported, Live Nation’s shares fell by more than 6% in after-hours trading in New York.
