Taylor Swift Fans Launch Major Lawsuit Against Ticketmaster for Alleged Price Gouging
Nearly 400 Taylor Swift fans and other concertgoers have filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation in California state court, alleging price gouging and violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
Taylor Swift performing on concert stage
Photo Credit: Taylor Swift by Paolo Villanueva / CC by 2.0
The lawsuit claims Ticketmaster and Live Nation colluded with stadium venues and partners to create a monopolistic enterprise that unfairly drives up ticket prices. This new case expands on an existing federal lawsuit filed in December 2022 following the problematic Eras Tour ticket sales.
Jennifer Kinder, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, argues these businesses operate as a cartel, preventing consumers from accessing fairly priced tickets. The lawsuit coincides with a separate U.S. Department of Justice antitrust action aimed at breaking up the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger.
Live Nation disputes these allegations, stating:
- Artist teams, not Ticketmaster, set ticket prices
- The company doesn't own U.S. stadiums
- Primary tickets are priced below market value
- Most service fees go to venues
- Competition has reduced Ticketmaster's market share
The federal lawsuit is currently on hold pending an appeal in a separate antitrust case, while this new state case adds RICO violations to its claims and includes fans of other artists beyond Taylor Swift.
The lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about competition and pricing practices in the live concert industry, with potential implications for future ticket sales and industry regulation.
Related Articles
Diplo Revenge Porn Case Dismissed After Judge Orders Accuser Identity Reveal
