The U.S. Justice Department, along with 30 states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit to break up Live Nation, alleging that the concert promoter and its Ticketmaster unit engaged in illegal practices that inflated ticket prices and harmed artists.

Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, "It is time to break up Live Nation," highlighting concerns over Live Nation's monopolistic control over the live events industry. The legal action follows years of criticism, particularly after Ticketmaster's mishandling of ticket sales for Taylor Swift's concert tour in 2022, which led to complaints of high prices and poor service.

The lawsuit accuses Live Nation of monopolistic behavior, noting its control of a significant portion of concert promotions and primary ticketing for major venues. The Justice Department argues that Live Nation's dominance results in higher fees for fans, fewer opportunities for artists, and the marginalization of smaller promoters.

The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, highlights the extensive reach of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, asserting their involvement in nearly every aspect of the live music ecosystem. This legal action underscores the Biden administration's aggressive stance on antitrust enforcement across various industries.

Live Nation's controversial merger with Ticketmaster in 2010 was approved by the Justice Department under certain conditions to prevent anti-competitive behavior. However, concerns persisted, leading to extended oversight until 2025 due to alleged retaliation against venues that opted for other ticketing companies.

Live Nation has defended its business practices in the past, stating that they comply with the law and suggesting that complaints may stem from rival companies, including re-sellers.