In a significant move that could reshape the live entertainment industry, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, accuses the entertainment giant of monopolistic practices that have stifled competition, driven up ticket prices, and limited consumer choice. This legal action comes after years of mounting criticism and scrutiny over the company's business practices, particularly following the botched sale of tickets for Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour.” Ticketmaster's website crashed under the overwhelming demand, leaving millions of fans unable to purchase tickets. The incident led to widespread outrage and calls for regulatory action. Fans reported being stuck in online queues for hours, only to be dropped from the system or find that tickets were sold out. Ticketmaster blamed the issues on bots and scalpers, but the public and lawmakers were not convinced. The DOJ's lawsuit alleges that Live Nation has used its dominant position to engage in anti-competitive practices that harm consumers and competitors alike. According to the complaint, Live Nation has leveraged its control over ticket sales, concert promotion, and venue management to box out rivals and maintain its monopoly. The lawsuit seeks structural changes to the company's business practices, which could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Credit: Rachel Wisniewski/For the Washington Post - @brutamerica