US EditionTampa mentioned in evidence being considered in Live Nation & Ticketmaster antitrust lawsuit
The legal dispute centers on Slack messages revealing employees mocking fans and discussing high fees, which states say show anticompetitive conduct harming consumers.
- In Manhattan federal court, Michael Rapino testified on Thursday , defending Live Nation against monopoly claims during a high-profile antitrust trial.
- Earlier this month, the Department of Justice settled with Live Nation for up to $280 million and divestment of at least 13 amphitheaters, but dozens of state attorneys general continue separate litigation.
- Public exhibits include Slack messages where Baker called customers 'so stupid' and a screenshot showing premier parking revenue rose from $470,000 to $666,000, Baker said 'Robbing them blind baby.'
- Rapino said the company only learned of the messages after they went public and that the matter is under review while Ben Baker apologized.
- During grilling by the states' lawyer, Rapino faced questions on pricing and exclusivity; he defended that Live Nation brought 'business professionalism' to live events, which competitors later replicated.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Live Nation Trial Week 2 Recap: Michael Rapino and Those ‘Robbing Them Blind’ Slack Messages
Live Nation’s antitrust trial resumed this week after a surprise partial settlement gave the jury a weeklong “spring break.” The week featured key testimony about the operation of the live music business, including from the concert industry’s number one power player: Live Nation chief executive Michael Rapino. You’re reading Billboard’s weekly Live Nation trial recap, a weekly one-sheet of everything that happened in the monopoly case against …
Live Nation CEO defends company ticket pricing practices in antitrust trial
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino took the stand for several hours in Manhattan federal court in a high-stakes antitrust trial, where he pushed back on accusations that the company illegally monopolizes live concerts in the U.S.
Live Nation CEO Confronted With Own Words on 'Too High' Ticket Fees in Antitrust Trial
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino was confronted with his own comment that the ticket sales company’s fees were “too high” during Thursday’s appearance at the landmark antitrust trial. Specifically, Rapino was intensely probed by the lawyer representing more than 20 states — including New York, California and Tennessee, among others— that have sued the entertainment company for allegedly operating an illegal monopoly that has stifled competition an…
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