The highly anticipated Live Nation antitrust trial is nearing its conclusion, with a federal jury set to decide whether the company has abused its market power in the live music industry. The trial, which began over a month ago, has seen the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and dozens of state attorneys general present their case against Live Nation. Although the DOJ settled with Live Nation early in the trial, 33 states and the District of Columbia have continued to pursue the company’s divestiture of Ticketmaster.
The jury heard closing arguments from both sides, with the states’ lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, labeling Live Nation a ‘monopolistic bully’ that controls 86% of major concert venues. In response, Live Nation’s attorney, David Marriott, countered that the company is a ‘fierce competitor’ that operates fairly. The jury will now deliberate on whether Live Nation has violated federal and state antitrust laws, with potential financial damages and structural relief on the table if the verdict is unfavorable to the company.
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