Live Nation Employee Mocks Customers as "So Stupid"

Why this matters: This controversy damages Live Nation's reputation and could influence the outcome of the antitrust case, potentially leading to significant changes in the live entertainment and ticketing industry.

The release of these internal messages provides a glimpse into the internal culture at Live Nation and how at least some employees view their customers. The messages, sent between Ben Baker (now head of ticketing for Venue Nation) and Jeff Weinhold, reveal a dismissive attitude towards customers and a blatant acknowledgment of price gouging. This comes at a critical time, as Live Nation faces accusations of anti-competitive practices and monopolistic control over the concert and ticketing industry.

The antitrust trial, involving the federal government and multiple states, accuses Live Nation and Ticketmaster of stifling competition and driving up prices through various tactics. The government argues that Live Nation leverages its control over venues, concert promotion, and ticketing to disadvantage competitors and exploit consumers.

While the DOJ has reached a settlement with Live Nation that includes some concessions, several states are considering continuing the legal battle. The states argue that the settlement does not go far enough to address the underlying issues of market dominance and anti-competitive behavior. The judge's decision to admit the Slack messages as evidence could significantly impact the trial's direction and which witnesses the states call to testify.

The employee mocked customers as "so stupid" and bragged about "robbing them blind" through high prices.

They were released as part of an antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

They could damage Live Nation's reputation and influence the outcome of the antitrust case.

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