Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino took the stand for several hours in Manhattan federal court in a high-stakes antitrust trial, where he pushed back on accusations that the company illegally monopolizes live concerts in the U.S.
The case was originally brought by the Department of Justice and dozens of state attorneys general. However, the federal government struck a surprise settlement with the company in early March, following a face-to-face meeting between Rapino and Omeed Assefi, the acting assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division.
A majority of the state attorneys general lambasted the deal and committed to pursuing their claims against Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster.
Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the states, grilled Rapino on the company’s concert pricing tactics, exclusive long-term contracts and allegations of fostering an anticompetitive environment.
Rapino defended the business he built, saying the industry was once “fragmented,” which he described as the “wild, wild
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