This dominance allegedly forces new concert venues into long-term exclusionary contracts, perpetuating the cycle, per CNBC. Additionally, the complaint highlights that Live Nation, through its ticketing arm Ticketmaster, controls about 80% of primary ticketing for major concert venues. This dominance has allowed Live Nation to stifle competition by threatening financial retaliation against potential competitors and venues that collaborate with rivals, and by acquiring smaller competitive threats. Related: Live Nation May Face Antitrust Lawsuit Live Nation responded to the lawsuit by calling the allegations "absurd." Dan Wall, Live Nation's executive vice president for corporate and regulatory affairs, stated, "The DOJ's complaint attempts to portray Live Nation and Ticketmaster as the cause of fan frustration with the live entertainment industry. It blames concert promoters and ticketing companies — neither of which control ticket prices — for high ticket prices.