Ticketmaster, a leading ticket sales and distribution company, has been involved in several class action lawsuits over the years. These legal actions have addressed issues ranging from deceptive pricing practices to data breaches, impacting millions of consumers. Below is an overview of some notable cases:
1. Schlesinger v. Ticketmaster (2003–2013)
In 2003, a class action lawsuit was filed against Ticketmaster, alleging that the company did not fully disclose all aspects of its UPS and order processing fees to consumers. While Ticketmaster denied any wrongdoing, the case was settled in 2013. As part of the settlement, Ticketmaster agreed to issue ticket vouchers and discount codes to class members, allowing them to receive discounts for future ticket purchases and/or on future UPS ticket deliveries.
2. Data Breach Lawsuit (2024)
In May 2024, Ticketmaster experienced a significant data breach, compromising the personal information of over 560 million customers. The breach included names, addresses, phone numbers, and partial payment card details. A class action lawsuit was filed against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, alleging negligence in managing customer data. The lawsuit claims that Ticketmaster lacked adequate protections to prevent the data breach.
3. Hidden Fees Lawsuit (2025)
In March 2025, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, alleging that the companies illegally concealed the full price of tickets until the end of the online checkout process. The lawsuit claims that consumers were lured with low initial ticket prices, only to encounter “exorbitant” fees during the final stage of purchasing, making the total cost significantly higher than anticipated.
4. Canadian Deceptive Pricing Settlement (2025)
In January 2025, Ticketmaster agreed to a $6 million settlement in Canada over allegations of deceptive pricing practices, specifically “drip pricing,” where unexpected fees were added to ticket prices. The settlement was finalized at Regina’s Court of King’s Bench.
5. Taylor Swift Fans Lawsuit (2022–2023)
Following issues with ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in 2022, a group of fans filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, accusing them of price gouging and collusive behavior to inflate ticket prices. The lawsuit alleges violations of antitrust laws and claims that the companies engaged in anti-competitive practices by monopolizing ticket sales and manipulating resale prices.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster’s involvement in these class action lawsuits highlights ongoing concerns about transparency, data security, and fair pricing in the ticketing industry. Consumers affected by these issues should stay informed about their rights and any potential compensation opportunities arising from these legal actions.
