Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced on Apr. 15 that he won all claims in the antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, following a jury verdict. The decision comes after the United States Department of Justice had previously reached a deal with the companies, which Jackson rejected, stating it did not address high ticket prices for concertgoers.
The outcome is significant for consumers who have faced increasing costs when purchasing concert tickets. The North Carolina State Executive Attorney General aims to prevent crime, assist law enforcement, protect consumers and defend state residents’ rights, according to the official website.
Jackson said, “This was one of the biggest antitrust cases in years. When the United States Department of Justice announced in March that it had cut a deal with Live Nation and Ticketmaster behind the backs of the attorneys general, I rejected their secret deal because it failed to address sky-high ticket prices for concertgoers. We wanted the jury to hear the evidence and see what consumers have known for years.”
He continued: “Every fan who’s watched prices pile up on a concert ticket just got proof they were right to feel mistreated by a monopoly. That’s exactly what was happening.”
Jackson also stated: “Today’s verdict confirms that Live Nation has been running an illegal monopoly in the ticket market, abusing concertgoers and artists. The case will now head to a second phase where the judge will decide the appropriate remedies to break Live Nation’s hold on the live entertainment industry and restore competition, and our office will stay on the side of bringing prices down for consumers.”
Jeff Jackson heads the North Carolina State Executive Attorney General as attorney general, according to the official website. The office extends its services across North Carolina and acts as a government entity authorized to handle legal matters on behalf of North Carolina according to its official site. Its responsibilities include providing legal representation for state agencies in court proceedings as well as prosecuting criminal appeals—roles that influence state governance—as reported by its official website.
The broader implications could affect both artists and fans nationwide if further remedies are implemented by court order in this ongoing legal process.
