DOJ Investigating Live Nation, AEG Over COVID-Era Refund Strategies

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The Justice Department is currently conducting a criminal investigation into Live Nation and AEG over how they handled refunds for concerts canceled during the pandemic period. Live Nation has officially stated on Thursday that they have not engaged in any misconduct related to this matter.

Initially, Bloomberg was the first to report on an ongoing probe, revealing it’s connected to a collaboration Live Nation, AEG, and significant Hollywood talent agencies disclosed at the start of the pandemic in 2020. According to Bloomberg, the Department of Justice (DOJ) began investigating during the Biden era; however, sources suggest that the intensity of the investigation escalated during the Trump administration. At this point, it remains uncertain if the probe will lead to any official charges being filed.

Dan Wall, Live Nation’s Executive Vice President for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, expressed in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that it is not unlawful for artist agents, promoters, and ticketing companies to collaborate in addressing the unprecedented hurdles posed by a global pandemic. Although Live Nation participated in this joint effort in good faith, they established their own distinct policies and refund conditions to aid artists and fans. It should be clarified that there was no collusion with AEG or any other party. We are proud of our leadership during those challenging times, and if any accusations arise from this investigation, we will vigorously defend ourselves.

Reps for the DOJ and AEG declined or didn’t respond to requests for comment.

A person with knowledge of the situation informed The Hollywood Reporter that the Department of Justice was examining COVID-19 policies while simultaneously working on a civil monopoly lawsuit against the company. However, it wasn’t a primary focus for the DOJ as they continued to develop the case that would be presented in May 2024.

According to Bloomberg’s report, the department is running out of time to make a decision about whether to file criminal charges, as there is a five-year limit for such cases.

The announcement about the probe coincides with Live Nation still battling the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit. Last year, the Justice Department suggested separating Live Nation’s concert promotion division, which shares its name, and Ticketmaster, its ticketing empire, alleging that the company has used its influence in concerts and ticket sales to suppress competition. However, Live Nation has repeatedly refuted these accusations.

Ever since the new administration came into power, I’ve been eagerly supporting the call from advocates and lawmakers for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to maintain its focus on this case. The American Economic Liberties Project has expressed that past negotiations with this colossal entity have failed to prevent abuses against independent venues, artists, and fans like myself. They believe that nothing less than a complete separation will be sufficient to halt these abuses.

So far, the most impactful piece of live music-related legislation during the Trump administration was the president’s executive order issued towards the end of March, aimed at combating ticket reselling.

Last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission launched a public investigation into the live music business. The goal is to identify possible solutions for problems within the industry that are affecting consumers.

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2025-05-16 04:55