Attorney General Liz Murrill and a coalition of 33 other attorneys general won their lawsuit against Live Nation after a jury found on April 15 that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by eliminating competition and raising costs for fans, artists, and venues. The verdict followed a five-week trial where the jury concluded that the companies unlawfully maintained monopoly power, making it difficult for other ticketing services, venue owners, and concert promoters to compete. As a result, fans have paid higher prices for tickets.
The outcome is significant because it addresses concerns about fair markets in the live entertainment industry. The decision could impact how major concerts are priced and promoted across the United States.
“This decision is a significant win for Louisiana consumers. For far too long, Live Nation used its market power to stifle competition, limit consumer choice, and drive up prices for live entertainment at venues across Louisiana—including the Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center, Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, Raising Cane’s River Center, The Fillmore New Orleans, and House of Blues New Orleans—and across the United States. My office will continue to stand up for fair markets and hold corporations accountable when they abuse their power,” said Attorney General Murrill.
The case began in May 2024 when Murrill joined with 40 other states and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to sue Live Nation. They alleged that Live Nation’s control over venue ownership, event promotion services through Ticketmaster ticketing systems allowed them to raise costs while suppressing competition. During the trial that started March 2, DOJ reached a settlement with Live Nation; however, Murrill’s coalition rejected this settlement in favor of continuing litigation.
According to the official website, Liz Murrill leads the Louisiana Department of Justice as attorney general. The department serves as Louisiana’s primary legal office under an independently elected attorney general who provides statewide legal services focused on protecting constitutional rights as well as offering resources to citizens. It also works to preserve state culture through legal efforts.
Murrill has challenged federal overreach in more than 35 cases according to her official website. Following this liability verdict against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, she said her office along with partner states will argue for remedies and financial penalties at a separate bench trial.
