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Taylor Swift Fans Win Key Step in Ticketmaster Legal Fight

By  |  November 26, 2025

Taylor Swift supporters have achieved a significant step forward in their legal battle with Ticketmaster, according to Billboard. The ongoing lawsuit challenges the ticketing giant’s handling of sales for Swift’s blockbuster Eras Tour in 2022 and alleges that the company’s market dominance has harmed consumers.

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    The case, filed on behalf of 357 fans, is the earliest in a wave of legal actions tied to the chaotic presale that occurred nearly two years ago. A previous version of the complaint was dismissed in May, but on November 24 a federal judge in California determined that the updated filing presents sufficiently supported claims against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation.

    At the core of the dispute is an argument that Ticketmaster and Live Nation maintain an unlawful monopoly. Fans assert that the companies’ overwhelming control of the live events market leaves little room for competition and results in a flawed purchasing system. The infamous Eras Tour presale meltdown was cited as a prime example — bots, scalpers, and unprecedented demand crashed the platform and left legions of would-be ticket buyers empty-handed.

    Ticketmaster, however, has insisted that the fans’ claims should not depend on the U.S. government’s separate antitrust action, per Billboard. The company argued that the Department of Justice is focused on Live Nation’s agreements with arenas and amphitheaters — not the stadiums Swift used for her tour.

    Read more: FTC Sues Ticket Reseller Over Swift Tour Sales as Scrutiny of Ticketing Industry Widens

    The judge disagreed. As per Billboard, U.S. District Judge George H. Wu wrote, “None of these allegations clearly indicate that the government action excludes conduct related to stadiums.” He went on to say, “Furthermore, while noticeably absent from the [complaint] is the word ‘stadium,’ the court fails to see any meaningful distinction between arenas, amphitheatres, and stadiums that would render baseless plaintiffs’ reliance on the government action.”

    With this ruling, the antitrust claims will now advance into the evidence-gathering phase, giving fans a chance to further challenge Ticketmaster’s business practices in court.

    The company continues to face criticism from artists and concertgoers alike. During a recent ticket sale for her U.S. tour dates, musician Olivia Dean publicly condemned the service, writing, “[Ticketmaster], [Live Nation], [AEG]: You are providing a disgusting service. The prices at which you’re allowing tickets to be re-sold is vile and completely against our wishes.”

    The legal battle is far from over, but for Swift fans seeking accountability, the latest decision marks a meaningful victory.

    Source: Billboard