A federal jury in Manhattan started weighing evidence Friday in a major antitrust lawsuit where 34 states are challenging Live Nation Entertainment over alleged monopolistic practices.
In the civil lawsuit, state attorneys general claim the entertainment conglomerate and its Ticketmaster division have cornered the market on live music events, resulting in inflated ticket costs for consumers.
Live Nation maintains that the concert industry has never been more competitive and denies any unfair business practices in what they describe as a thriving entertainment market.
Shortly after beginning their discussions, jurors in the Manhattan federal courthouse requested to hear portions of testimony again from the five-week proceedings.
The state coalition continued pursuing their case even after federal authorities reached a settlement agreement with Live Nation last month.
According to the Justice Department, their settlement secured significant changes from Live Nation, especially regarding ticket sales at numerous company-owned amphitheaters.
During Thursday’s closing statements, an attorney representing the states claimed Live Nation dominates 86% of the concert venue market and holds 73% control when sporting events are factored in.
Live Nation’s legal team acknowledged the company’s position as the nation’s largest entertainment and ticketing corporation. However, their attorney argued that “success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States.”
