Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster holds an illegal monopoly

A Manhattan federal jury on Wednesday found Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, holds an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry and violated antitrust laws.

The decision comes after four days of deliberation in the case, initially brought by the U.S. government. It compiled claims brought by dozens of state and district attorneys general across the country, alleging Live Nation’s monopoly pushed out smaller, competing promotors, disadvantaging artists and driving up prices for American consumers.

Live Nation argued artists, venues and sports team are in charge of prices and ticketing practices, the Associated Press reported.

A week into the trial last month, the Trump administration announced it was settling its claims against Live Nation. The agreement required Live Nation to pay $280 million in civil penalties to the states involved in the case.

While some states joined the settlement, more than 30 continued with the trial, arguing the federal government did not secure enough concessions from Live Nation, the news wire added.