Internal company messages unsealed in court on Wednesday reveal that Live Nation Entertainment employees openly bragged about charging concertgoers exorbitant fees for parking, with one staffer declaring, "robbing them blind baby... that's how we do it." The Slack messages, first reported by Bloomberg, emerged just two days after the Trump Justice Department reached a surprising settlement to resolve its antitrust lawsuit against the entertainment giant, only one week into the trial in New York.
Internal Messages Expose Cynical Attitude
The messages, exchanged between Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold, both regional ticketing directors for Live Nation at the time in 2022, showcase a candid and seemingly gleeful attitude toward maximizing revenue from fans. Baker specifically boasted about charging $50 to park in grass lots and $60 for closer grass parking, labeling such practices as "gouging" on ancillary prices. Weinhold responded with "lol," indicating a casual acceptance of the strategy.
Company Response and Legal Context
Live Nation issued a statement saying it would "look into the matter promptly," noting that both employees still work at the company. The firm argued that the Slack exchange was "private" and "doesn't reflect our values or how we operate," describing it as "off-the-cuff banter" between friends rather than official policy. However, the company had previously attempted to keep these messages sealed, claiming they were "irrelevant" and could cause "unfair prejudice and jury confusion."
Antitrust Lawsuit and Settlement Details
The antitrust lawsuit, originally filed in 2024 under the Biden administration, accused Live Nation of illegally monopolizing "nearly all live music" in the U.S., partly by threatening venues to use Ticketmaster exclusively. The recent settlement with the Trump Justice Department, which reportedly blindsided state attorneys general, includes provisions for Live Nation to cap ticketing service fees at 15% and divest from 13 exclusive ticketing arrangements with amphitheaters. More than two dozen states had joined the federal lawsuit, and they may continue litigation if they cannot reach their own agreements.
Broader Implications for Concert Industry
This revelation adds fuel to long-standing public criticism that Live Nation and Ticketmaster exploit fans through high fees. The internal messages, though dismissed by the company as informal, highlight a culture that prioritizes profit over customer satisfaction, potentially undermining trust in the live entertainment sector. As the legal proceedings unfold, these disclosures could influence ongoing debates about competition and consumer protection in the industry.
