DOJ Staff Advised Against Live Nation Covid Antitrust Charges

Prosecutors that were conducting a criminal antitrust probe into music industry giant Live Nation Entertainment Inc. recommended several months ago that the Justice Department not file charges against the company and its CEO Michael Rapino, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The probe has slowed down after prosecutors at the department’s antitrust division recommended in September not filing criminal charges against Live Nation and Rapino over possible Covid-era collusion with other industry players, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing a confidential investigation.

The government’s investigation had been focused on whether Live Nation and ...