Attorney General Jay Jones released a statement on Mar. 10 in response to the U.S. Department of Justice and Live Nation’s settlement in an antitrust case involving Ticketmaster and allegations of monopolizing the live entertainment industry.
The issue is significant because it concerns competition in concert ticketing and promotion, which affects both consumers and artists. The settlement follows a lawsuit filed in May 2024 by a bipartisan group of state attorneys general alongside the Department of Justice against Live Nation for what they described as anticompetitive behavior.
“In May 2024, a bipartisan group of state attorneys general joined the U.S. Department of Justice to sue Live Nation for its anticompetitive behavior related to concert ticketing and promotion. For too long, Live Nation has raked in billions from a monopoly that has made it harder for consumers to see the artists they love, stifled artists, and increased the price of tickets for countless music fans,” Jones said.
He continued: “The case against Live Nation is strong, and the state coalition is committed to holding the company accountable for its illegal behavior, protecting consumers, and restoring competition to this market. The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation. We are willing and able to stand with other partner states to continue litigating this case without the federal government so that we can hold Live Nation accountable in court and secure appropriate relief in this case.”
Jones added: “As state attorneys general and antitrust enforcers, we are fully committed to protecting our citizens from illegal monopolies and restoring competition to the live music marketplace.”
The Attorney General of Virginia supports civil rights enforcement and victim assistance programs, as indicated on the official website. The office also provides legal counsel and representation to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights as detailed on its official website. Miyares holds the position as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia, according to the official website.
Serving all residents across Virginia, the Attorney General addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according to its official website. The office also offers consumer protection resources including identity theft prevention tools and fraud reporting services as noted on its official site.
Looking ahead, Jones signaled that his office remains prepared to pursue further litigation if necessary alongside other states in order to seek remedies beyond those provided by the recent federal settlement.
