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Live Nation CEO Defends Antitrust Claims in Manhattan Trial

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Live Nation Entertainment faced a Manhattan antitrust trial as Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, defended the company against aggressive questioning by attorney Jeffrey Kessler.
The trial follows the Justice Department's settlement with Live Nation, leaving more than 30 states dissatisfied and seeking to prove anticompetitive practices.
Rapino rejected claims that exclusive contracts give Live Nation a competitive advantage and disavowed controversial employee messages about exploiting fans as unacceptable.

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Story summary

Live Nation Entertainment faced a Manhattan antitrust trial as Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, defended the company against aggressive questioning by attorney Jeffrey Kessler.
The trial follows the Justice Department's settlement with Live Nation, leaving more than 30 states dissatisfied and seeking to prove anticompetitive practices.
Rapino rejected claims that exclusive contracts give Live Nation a competitive advantage and disavowed controversial employee messages about exploiting fans as unacceptable.