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Internal messages between Live Nation/Ticketmaster ticketing directors have reveale that the execs were mocking consumers as being “stupid” for paying the exorbitant prices that the company sets.
The messages, sent on the messaging platform Slack, became public record after being used as exhibits in the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster.
Live Nation is currently in the midst of an antitrust lawsuit that was filed by the federal government and attorneys general from 39 states and Washington D.C.
Leaked messages between Live Nation executives revealed the pair gloating about raising prices on “stupid” costumers
The messages, which were between Live Nation regional directors Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold, showed the duo boasting about raising so-called “ancillary fees” like parking, lawn chair rentals, and VIP access, while openly mocking the fans paying for them.
“These people are so stupid. I almost feel bad taking advantage of them,” Baker wrote in one message.
“Robbing them blind, baby. That’s how we do,” he added when celebrating the growth of premium parking revenue.
“I have VIP parking up to $250 lol,” Weinhold said of the parking fees. “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them,” Baker replied.
“I gouge them on ancil prices to make up for it,” Baker added. “Preferred Seating baby,” Weinhold responded.
In a statement, Live Nation said the exchange was between “one junior staffer to a friend” and claimed it “absolutely doesn’t reflect our values or how we operate.”
The antitrust lawsuit being brought on by the government alleges Live Nation illegally maintained a monopoly in the live entertainment industry that led to higher ticket prices for consumers, in addition “to stifling innovation and competition.”
Earlier this week, Live Nation the company reached a settlement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in the antitrust lawsuit and agreed to pay roughly $200 million in damages.
“Today marks a major step in improving the concert experience for artists and fans throughout the United States. Live Nation is proud to lead the way enhancing this experience with our amphitheaters, which will be open to all promoters, allowing these promoters to decide how best to distribute up to 50% of the tickets, and capping ticketing service fees at 15%,” Live Nation Entertainment President and CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement.
“By giving artists greater flexibility in choosing their promotional partners and ticketing strategy while also keeping the cost of a concert more affordable for fans, we are putting more power where it should be – with artists and fans.”