Live Nation CEO Defends Ticketing Giant in Antitrust Trial

0:00What's up? I'm Corey with the story, and these are your headlines from Durham News today. Live Nation Entertainment's chief executive, Michael Rapinoe, took to stand in a New York anti-trust trial this week. He's defending the company's stronghold on the concert and ticketing world after more than 20 years at the helm. Lawyers for 33 states in the District of Columbia accused the firm of pushing out rivals and hiking prices for fans. The case stems from a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit filed two years ago against Live Nation and its ticket master unit. That merger happened back in 2010. Last week, the federal government reached a settlement with concessions aimed at boosting competition and cutting ticket costs. Six states joined that deal, but the rest are pressing on in court. States attorneys grilled Rapinoe on examples of what they call abusive practices. They highlighted 2022 private messages from a Live Nation ticketing employee, calling customers stupid and boasting about, overcharging them.

1:01Rapinoe said the company gives staff a break and noted the worker had apologized. Rapinoe pushed back calmly on several points. He blamed a cyber attack, not system overload, for the ticket master meltdown during Taylor Swift ticket sales in 2022. On banning personal lawn chairs at 40 amphitheaters, he cited safety concerns over obstructed views and fan disputes. The trial continues with states trying to prove Live Nation harm's competition. Rapinoe expressed pride in how his company streamlined a once fragmented industry to better serve artists and fans. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. A pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately. No earbuds required. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com