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DOJ Prosecutors Advise Against Criminal Charges in Live Nation Antitrust Probe

By  |  December 17, 2025

Federal prosecutors investigating Live Nation Entertainment Inc. for potential criminal antitrust violations advised months ago that the Justice Department should not pursue charges against the concert promoter or its chief executive, Michael Rapino, according to people familiar with the matter.

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    The recommendation, made in September by prosecutors in the Justice Department’s antitrust division, has slowed momentum in the criminal investigation, per Bloomberg. The probe examined whether Live Nation engaged in unlawful coordination with other major players in the live music industry during the Covid-19 pandemic. The people described the discussions on condition of anonymity because the investigation is confidential.

    According to Bloomberg, investigators focused on whether Live Nation and rival promoter AEG Presents worked together on refund policies for canceled shows and coordinated with artists to manage financial losses during the pandemic. Prosecutors had previously considered bringing charges, including potential charges against Rapino personally, during the summer before ultimately recommending against criminal action.

    After the New York-based prosecution team reached that conclusion, senior officials in the antitrust division asked attorneys in Washington to independently assess whether the evidence supported moving forward, people familiar with the process said. While the investigation remains open, no charges have been filed, according to Bloomberg.

    Spokespeople for the Justice Department, Live Nation, and AEG did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Rapino said inquiries were directed to Live Nation.

    Read more: California Judge Expands Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

    At the start of the pandemic, Live Nation, AEG, and major talent agencies publicly acknowledged working together on an industry-wide response to the crisis. That cooperation later drew antitrust scrutiny. According to Bloomberg, the investigation began during the Biden administration and intensified after President Donald Trump returned to office.

    Live Nation has previously denied any wrongdoing, saying its actions were aimed at addressing the unprecedented disruption caused by the pandemic and attempting to “solve the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic.”

    Earlier this year, prosecutors were using a grand jury in Los Angeles as part of the investigation, people with knowledge of the matter said. Those individuals did not explain why prosecutors ultimately recommended against bringing criminal charges. Justice Department criminal investigations do not always result in prosecutions, and neither Live Nation nor Rapino has been formally accused of criminal conduct.

    Live Nation has faced government scrutiny for years, dating back to its 2010 merger with Ticketmaster. Under former President Joe Biden, the Justice Department filed a separate civil antitrust lawsuit seeking to break up the company. According to Bloomberg, shortly after taking office, Trump issued a sweeping executive order instructing the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate potentially harmful practices in the live music industry.

    Source: Bloomberg