Taylor Swift Fans Launch Major Lawsuit Against Ticketmaster for Alleged Price Gouging
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 of Kinder Law, representing the plaintiffs, describes these businesses as a "cartel" that monopolizes the market, preventing consumers from accessing fairly priced tickets.
The legal action follows a December 2022 federal case sparked by the problematic Eras Tour ticket sales, where fans faced extensive delays and failed to secure tickets despite having early access. Subsequently, tickets appeared on Ticketmaster's resale marketplace at inflated prices.
Live Nation disputes these claims as "baseless," stating that:
- Artist teams, not Ticketmaster, set ticket prices
- Live Nation doesn't own U.S. stadiums
- Primary tickets are priced below market value
- Resale prices average more than double the original price
- Most service fees go to venues
The lawsuit coincides with a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigation aimed at breaking up Ticketmaster and Live Nation. The case is currently on hold, pending an appeal in a separate antitrust matter.
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