FTC sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster alleging illegal resale tactics
Summary
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, accusing them of misleading consumers with ticket prices and cooperating with ticket resellers, or scalpers, to increase resale prices. The lawsuit involves several U.S. states and claims that these practices violate laws meant to protect consumers and artists. Ticketmaster and Live Nation have not responded to the complaint.Key Facts
- The FTC lawsuit targets Ticketmaster and Live Nation for alleged deceptive practices in ticket sales and resales.
- The lawsuit says Ticketmaster uses a "bait and switch" method, showing low ticket prices that increase significantly at checkout.
- The FTC claims Ticketmaster allows scalpers to buy large numbers of tickets, which they then resell at higher prices.
- The lawsuit alleges Ticketmaster profits from resale fees, estimating $3.7 billion in fees collected from 2019 to 2024.
- Six states—Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia—are part of the FTC's complaints.
- The FTC's action follows a 2024 antitrust lawsuit by the Department of Justice and 30 states aimed at breaking up the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger.
- Ticketmaster and Live Nation have not yet commented on the lawsuit.
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