Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel responded on Apr. 15 to a jury decision in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized the live events and ticketing market and unlawfully tied venues to concert promotion.
The verdict is significant for consumers who have faced limited choices and high prices when purchasing tickets for live events. The ruling concluded that Live Nation and Ticketmaster used their dominant positions over major concert venues, ticketing services, and promotions in ways that harmed concertgoers.
Nessel said, “While Live Nation successfully lobbied the DOJ to accept a preposterous settlement, my fellow state co-plaintiffs and I know who we actually serve. We refused to fold because our residents deserve better than to pay outrageous ticket prices to an illegal monopoly. I am relieved that the jury saw that Live Nation and Ticketmaster limited choice and illegally inflated prices at the expense of concertgoers. It’s clear that DOJ has turned its back on consumers. I am proud to work alongside my fellow states to fight and win for our residents.”
According to the official website, the Michigan Department of Attorney General advances social efforts through actions against human trafficking and support for vulnerable populations. The department also focuses on serving Michigan residents through initiatives in public service and protection according to its official website. Nessel is recognized as Michigan’s 54th attorney general according to the official website.
The department exercises authority throughout Michigan with a mandate to safeguard residents according to its official website. It has influenced policy by drafting laws such as Clean Slate in 2019, which created expungement opportunities according to its official site. Operating with statewide authority, it aims at protecting people across Michigan as reported by its official site.
The outcome of this case may have implications beyond just one industry or group of companies; it highlights ongoing concerns about competition within markets affecting everyday consumers.