Live Nation Workers Allegedly Brag About Swindling Fans In Unearthed Internal Messages: REPORT

Two Live Nation staffers allegedly boasted about “gouging” their fans by setting exorbitant fees and parking prices at concerts, according to court documents.

The alleged exchange between the employees, Ben Baker and Jeff Weinhold, unfolded on the Slack platform in 2022, according to The Hollywood Reporter, citing court documents. The messages were presented in court Wednesday as part of ongoing litigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the streaming giant.

Baker and Weinhold allegedly bragged about concert price hikes, calling attendees “so stupid.”

The outlet reported that Baker, who oversees ticketing for Live Nation’s venue nation unit, said the prices were “f*cking outrageous,” to which Weinhold allegedly replied, “I have VIP parking up to $250 lol.”

“I almost feel bad taking advantage of them,” Baker said.

The outlet reported that Baker allegedly sent a screenshot of the costs of premier parking, alongside the words, “robbing them, blind, baby, that’s how we do.”

MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 18: : A ticketmaster sign hangs on the wall at the FTX Arena ticket window on November 18, 2022 in Miami, Florida. The Justice Department is reportedly investigating the parent company of Ticketmaster for possible antitrust violations, this follows the news that Taylor Swift concert ticket sales overwhelmed the Ticketmaster system. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The plaintiff in the lawsuit argued the documents reflected Live Nation’s alleged monopoly power, and that the company “degrade[s] the fan experience by charging excessive prices for ancillary services without fear of artists switching away,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

A Live Nation representative issued a statement, according to the outlet.

“Because this was a private Slack message, leadership learned of this when the public did, and will be looking into the matter promptly,” the representative stated.

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 16: A general view of the Ticketmaster stanchion rope on the field during the NFL 2025 game between Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

“Our business only works when fans have great experiences, which is why we’ve capped amphitheater venue fees at 15 percent and have invested $1 billion in the last 18 months into U.S. venues and fan amenities,” the representative continued.

Referring to the messages exchanged between employees, Live Nation said, “the Slack exchange from one junior staffer to a friend absolutely doesn’t reflect our values or how we operate.”

The DOJ sued Live Nation in 2024 and agreed to a settlement over the case Monday, prior to when the Slack exchanges were filed in court, according to the Hollywood Reporter. (RELATED: Entertainment Company Faces Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit After Hackers Access Sensitive Customer Data)

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 24: Penny Harrison and her son Parker Harrison rally against the live entertainment ticket industry outside the U.S. Capitol January 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. The Senate Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing this morning to explore whether the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster has stifled competition and harmed the consumer marketplace. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The settlement included allowing some of Ticketmaster’s tech the opportunity to work with other ticketing platforms, and Live Nation must also divest its exclusive control of 13 amphitheaters, the outlet reported.

Live Nation agreed to cap amphitheater fees at 15 percent and pay out up to $280 million, reflecting the value of the damages reported in the original complaint, according to the Hollywood Reporter.