LOS ANGELES (KABC) — On Thursday, fans of Taylor Swift returned to court to continue their battle against Ticketmaster concerning its ticket purchasing procedures, a case which could have wide-ranging effects on consumer rights nationwide.
In Los Angeles, a federal court addressed a lawsuit filed by 355 fans dubbed “Swifties” from 30 different states. They claim that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster have breached antitrust and consumer protection laws.
The fans accuse Live Nation-Ticketmaster of racketeering and collusion to drive up the prices of concert tickets.
Attorneys John Genga and Jennifer Kinder, representing the plaintiffs, held a press briefing Thursday to condemn the ticketing company’s lengthy delays in the lawsuit process.
“Despite Ticketmaster’s constant efforts to delay, to deny, to keep consumers from access to the civil justice system, we are still here,” said Kinder. “We’re still standing. We’re not going away. Swifties are more united than they’ve ever been.”
The release of tickets for Swift’s “Eras Tour” prompted government scrutiny of antitrust laws, including a Senate hearing at which Live Nation president and Chief Financial Officer Joe Berchtold apologized for the fiasco.
In the past, the company has said that it does not set ticket prices, saying the artists do. Prices tend to skyrocket in the resale market, according to the company.
“I am as dedicated to it now as I’ve ever been, because I really feel strongly that live entertainment should be for everyone and not just the privileged few,” said Julie Barfuss, a lead plaintiff.
Last year, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Since then, 40 states have joined in on that suit.
ABC News contributed to this report.
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