US blindsides states with surprise settlement in Live Nation/Ticketmaster trial

In a stunning turn of events, the Trump administration has opted to withdraw from pursuing the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, a decision that caught state attorneys general off guard during a pivotal trial. As the case progresses, attorneys general from 27 states and the District of Columbia remain committed to advancing their claims independently of the federal government. The lawsuit, initially filed by the US Department of Justice along with several states in 2024 under the Biden administration, accused Live Nation of holding a monopolistic grip on live music distribution across the United States. The plaintiffs sought a federal court's intervention to mandate the divestiture of Ticketmaster. With the trial underway and witness testimonies having commenced in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, the abrupt announcement of a proposed settlement on March 8 by both the US and Live Nation left many in disbelief. The presiding judge expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the settlement was revealed, labeling it as “absolutely unacceptable.” In response, the states have moved to file a motion for mistrial, emphasizing their need for adequate time to reassess the situation and prepare for a new trial. They argue that the unexpected exit of the federal government could mislead the jury into believing that Live Nation’s alleged antitrust issues have been resolved or that the states' claims are unfounded. The motion for mistrial has garnered support from a wide array of states, including Arizona, California, and New York, among others.