Giant Live Nation has named Richard Grenell, an close confidant and ally of President Donald Trump recently in the headlines for slamming Les Misérables actors and Lin Manuel Miranda, to its board of directors.
The ticketing and concert promotion juggernaut and venue owner unveiled its latest director in the midst of landmark antitrust lawsuit against it by former President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice a year ago. The DOJ and 30 state and district attorneys general filed the civil suit against Live Nation Entertainment and its wholly-owned subsidiary Ticketmaster for “monopolization and other unlawful conduct that thwarts competition in markets across the live entertainment industry.” The lawsuit includes a request for “structural relief,” meaning forcing the company to break up.
A DOJ spokesperson wasn’t immediately available for comment.
Live Nation said Grenell “brings decades of experience in diplomacy and negotiations, having served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Acting Director of National Intelligence, Presidential Envoy for Kosovo-Serbia Negotiations and Presidential Envoy for Special Missions. Mr. Grenell also currently serves as the President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where he oversees operations and programming at one of the nation’s premier cultural institutions.
“His career experience will help support Live Nation’s mission to bring more live music to the world, while also advocating for industry reforms that protect both fans and artistss,” Live Nation’s announcement read.
“We are pleased to welcome Ric to our Board,” said Randall Mays, Chairman of the Board of Live Nation Entertainment. “His background will bring a valuable perspective as Live Nation continues to contribute to a growing live music industry around the globe.”
Trump named Grenell interim president of the Kennedy Center, where he also installed himself as chairman and fired half of the board members, shortly after taking office. Grenell has blasted entertainers who won’t perform at the venerable Washington, D.C. venue due to Trump’s newfound involvement with the venerable arts institution.
“The power of live performances to bring people together while boosting local economies is transformative,” said Grenell. “I’m proud to join the board and support Live Nation’s efforts to grow this positive impact of concerts around the world.”
Ted Johnson contributed to this report
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