US blindsides states with surprise settlement in Live Nation/Ticketmaster trial

4 days ago

The Trump administration agreed to stop pursuing a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, surprising state attorneys general during a trial.
27 states and the District of Columbia continue pursuing the case without the US government.
The US Department of Justice and most states sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster in 2024, alleging a monopoly on live music delivery.
The lawsuit sought a court order for Ticketmaster's divestiture.
A trial began last week, but the US and Live Nation announced a proposed settlement on March 8, catching states off guard.
The judge criticized the settlement announcement as 'absolutely unacceptable.'
States filed a motion for mistrial, arguing the sudden US withdrawal could mislead the jury.
The motion was supported by 27 states and the District of Columbia.

Hasty Briefsbeta