Home / Business and Economy / Live Nation Settlement Twist: Employee Jests Surface
Live Nation Settlement Twist: Employee Jests Surface
12 Mar
Summary
- Employees joked about charging high VIP admission and parking fees.
- Live Nation calls joking employees junior staffers, not decision-makers.
- Settlement allows venues to use multiple ticket sellers, not just Ticketmaster.
Recent court filings have introduced a new element to Live Nation's proposed settlement with the Justice Department concerning an antitrust case. Slack messages from two employees involved in ticketing revealed them joking about the venue fees. One employee remarked about parking revenue as "robbing them blind," while another discussed VIP club admissions priced as high as $199, expressing mock guilt.
Live Nation has dismissed these employees as junior staff, asserting their private conversation does not represent company values. The company highlighted its $1 billion investment in U.S. venues and fan amenities, capping amphitheater venue fees at 15%. However, the government notes one of these employees now heads ticketing for Venue Nation, arguing Live Nation can impose excessive prices due to a lack of alternatives for artists.
The Justice Department and Live Nation announced a settlement as an antitrust trial was commencing. Under the agreement, venues can utilize various ticketing companies beyond Ticketmaster. Live Nation also agreed to divest 13 exclusive booking arrangements with amphitheaters. Nevertheless, the settlement awaits approval from numerous states, who are also plaintiffs, potentially leading them to pursue the case independently.
