RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A federal jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster guilty of illegally eliminating their competitors. Virginia's top attorney is celebrating the decision as a "huge win" for the state's venues and its consumers. On Wednesday, April 15, Attorney General Jay Jones (D) -- alongs ide a coalition of 33 attorneys generals from other states -- won a lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The lawsuit, filed in May 2024, accused Live Nation and Ticketmaster of holding monopolies in the venue and ticketing service spaces, respectively. It further accused the two businesses of engaging in anticompetitive conduct that caused harm to venue owners, artists and fans. "[Live Nation's] control over almost every aspect of the live event business -- from venue ownership to event promotion to ticketing services through Ticketmaster -- allowed it to raise costs for both fans and artists and to suppress competition," Jones' office said in a press release. According to Jones, Live Nation and Ticketmaster tried to get the coalition to agree to a settlement in March, prior to the trial's start. The coalition refused, choosing to move forward with legal proceedings. After the five-week trial, a federal jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster guilty of violating federal and state laws to this effect. "Today’s verdict is a huge win for Virginia’s vibrant live music and entertainment venues and for the loyal consumers who purchase tickets," Jones said in the release. "I am proud of the dedicated attorneys and staff of the Virginia OAG, and in partner states across the nation, who worked tirelessly to ensure that Live Nation and Ticketmaster can no longer pad their pockets on the backs of hardworking consumers. My office looks forward to continuing to hold these corporations as the court determines the best remedy to right these egregious wrongs and lower costs moving forward." A second trial will be held to decide remedies and financial penalties. ...read more read less