Live Nation Employee’s Regret in Antitrust Trial: A Look Inside

NEW YORK — During an antitrust trial, a Live Nation Entertainment ticketing employee admitted to making "very immature and unacceptable" comments about customers. He recalled a time when he told a coworker that some customers were "so stupid" and boasted about "robbing them blind, baby."

Benjamin Baker, who leads ticketing for Venue Nation, testified as a key witness against the concert promotion giant, which is facing claims from over 30 states. His private messages were brought to light after a Manhattan federal judge denied Live Nation's request to exclude them from the trial.

The Justice Department recently settled with Live Nation to encourage competition in ticketing and promotional markets, claiming it would help lower ticket prices. Despite this, many states involved in the lawsuit argue that the settlement does not sufficiently address the monopolistic practices they allege.

Attorney Jeffrey Kessler confronted Baker with his past messages, which he described as expressing surprise at the high prices customers were willing to pay for amenities like prime parking. Baker expressed regret, stating that his choice of words was not reflective of how he truly felt.

Throughout the questioning, Baker became emotional as he acknowledged his poor choice of language. He explained that he and his coworker were discussing "optional" expenses that ticket holders could choose not to incur. Kessler challenged this, suggesting that the company had a responsibility to avoid exploiting customers.

Live Nation's legal team attempted to dismiss Baker's statements as casual banter between friends, emphasizing that the company only learned of the messages recently and would investigate the matter. Baker has since been promoted twice but reiterated that his comments did not represent the company's stance.