Swifties Lead 400-Strong Lawsuit Against Ticketmaster for Alleged Price Gouging Scheme
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 an illegal enterprise that drives up ticket prices. Jennifer Kinder, the plaintiffs' attorney, describes these businesses as a "cartel" that monopolizes the market, preventing consumers from accessing fairly priced tickets.
This legal action follows a December 2022 federal case initiated after the problematic Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket sales, where fans experienced extensive delays and failed to secure tickets despite having early access. The situation prompted a US Senate hearing and led to the Department of Justice filing an antitrust lawsuit in May.
Live Nation disputes these allegations, stating:
- Claims are "baseless"
- Artists, not Ticketmaster, set ticket prices
- Live Nation doesn't own US stadiums
- Primary tickets are priced below market value
- Most service fees go to venues
- Competition has reduced Ticketmaster's market share
The new lawsuit expands beyond Swift fans to include other concertgoers and adds RICO violation claims. The federal lawsuit is currently on hold pending an appeal in a separate antitrust case.
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