In the ongoing antitrust trial against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, the defense has filed a motion seeking sanctions against the state plaintiffs, alleging witness tampering. The motion centers on the testimony of Rick Mueller, a former AEG executive, whose statements are pivotal to the case.
Live Nation contends that the state plaintiffs, in collaboration with AEG Worldwide, attempted to dissuade Mueller from providing truthful testimony. This claim is supported by an unsealed email from AEG’s attorney, Justin Bernick, to the plaintiffs. In the email, Bernick discusses materials related to Mueller and suggests that revealing this information might deter him from testifying. He writes, “Please let us know your thoughts on how to use this,” adding, “We think there is a good chance he would try to avoid testifying if he knew this would come up.” This correspondence has become central to Live Nation’s argument that there was an effort to influence Mueller’s willingness to testify. ([ticketnews.com](https://www.ticketnews.com/2026/04/live-nation-seeks-sanctions-after-unsealed-aeg-email-raises-new-questions-in-antitrust-trial/?utm_source=openai))
The state plaintiffs and AEG have refuted these allegations. They argue that the materials in question were legitimate impeachment evidence pertinent to Mueller’s credibility and bias, not an attempt to intimidate him. They maintain that Mueller’s current employment with Live Nation and his expected testimony criticizing AEG’s ticketing platform make this information relevant for cross-examination. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/corporate/articles/2461927/states-aeg-say-live-nation-sanctions-bid-is-nonsense?utm_source=openai))
Judge Arun Subramanian has yet to rule on the sanctions request. However, he has expressed concern about the sensitive nature of the personnel material involved. In a prior order, the judge noted that information from Mueller’s personnel file was “highly sensitive,” was not used at trial, and was “potentially” disclosed in violation of parties’ rights under the law. ([ticketnews.com](https://www.ticketnews.com/2026/04/live-nation-seeks-sanctions-after-unsealed-aeg-email-raises-new-questions-in-antitrust-trial/?utm_source=openai))
Live Nation is seeking more than a reprimand. The company has requested that the court admit certain AEG documents for the truth of the matters asserted, allow the jury to consider other already-admitted exhibits for their truth, and instruct jurors that they may infer the plaintiffs and AEG feared the full record on AXS quality would damage the states’ case. ([ticketnews.com](https://www.ticketnews.com/2026/04/live-nation-seeks-sanctions-after-unsealed-aeg-email-raises-new-questions-in-antitrust-trial/?utm_source=openai))
This development adds complexity to an already intricate trial. The outcome of the sanctions motion could have significant implications for the proceedings, potentially affecting the admissibility of evidence and the credibility of key witnesses. As the trial progresses, the court’s handling of these allegations will be closely watched by legal professionals and industry observers alike.