Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, is reportedly under an antitrust investigation by the Justice Department. The news comes as the company enters damage control over the chaotic rollout of presale tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
The New York Times reports Live Nation Entertainment is being investigated by the Justice Department’s antitrust division for any potential abuse of power and whether it “maintains a monopoly over the industry.” The investigation has led to the department questioning those who handle ticket sales, as well as music venues, about Live Nation’s practices.
This comes after multiple politicians slammed Live Nation for being a monopoly and controlling the live entertainment market. The Taylor Swift fiasco has intensified calls to break up the company.Â
Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010 following approval from the Justice Department. It should be noted that merger was heavily objected to by the industry. To gain government approval, Live Nation sold off parts of its business and agreed to several conditions to ensure a fair market. One condition forbade the company from pressuring ticketing providers to use their service over their competitors.
In 2019, the Justice Department found evidence Live Nation repeatedly violated those conditions following an investigation. Those terms were then extended to 2025.
The outlet finds that under this new investigation, which predates what happened with Swift’s Eras Tour, Justice Department staff are looking into whether Live Nation has again violated these agreements, in addition to whether it has too much power and influence in the industry.Â
Representatives for both the department and Live Nation have not responded to a request for comment.
Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
‘Beef’ cast, Lucy Liu, Padma Lakshmi, Cynthia Erivo and Saweetie among honorees for 3rd Gold Gala
April 25, 2024
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun, 'Beef' - Andrew Cooper/Netflix © 2023The nonprofit Gold House, which…
“Sonorus!” All seven ‘Harry Potter’ books to be released as full-cast audio productions
April 25, 2024
AudibleAudible announced Thursday that it has partnered with the Wizarding World's Pottermore…
Study claims ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is the easiest reality show to get on
April 25, 2024
FoxIf you wanna be a reality show star, learn to cook.That's because a new study claims two chef…
Sia, Jason Mraz, Billie Eilish and more sign letter protesting “predatory resellers” of concert tickets
April 25, 2024
Disney/Jenny AndersonArtists including Jason Mraz, Billie Eilish and Sia have signed an open letter…
Florence Welch “had such a fun time” recording “Florida!!!” with Taylor Swift
April 25, 2024
Beth GarrabrantFlorence Welch got a taste of what a Taylor Swift release day is like with The…
Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction overturned in New York
April 25, 2024
Weinstein outside of court in New York City in 2020 - Brendan McDermid/Reuters, FILEThe rape…
Travis Kelce’s mom says TTPD is “probably [Taylor’s] best work,” says Tayvis vacationed with Gigi & Bradley
April 25, 2024
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty ImagesTravis Kelce's mom, Donna, is spilling the tea about what her…
Dua Lipa plans sit-down with Drew Barrymore to talk ‘Radical Optimism’
April 25, 2024
Tyrone Lebon/Warner RecordsDua Lipa is going to have a heart-to-heart with Drew Barrymore.She sent…