In what should be a major win for concertgoers across the country, Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster have been found to hold illegal monopoly power in the live entertainment ticketing market, following a high-profile antitrust trial brought by the U.S. DOJ and 34 states.

A Manhattan federal jury reached its verdict after roughly five weeks of trial and testimony from dozens of witnesses. Deliberations in the case began on Friday.

The case centered on allegations that Live Nation and Ticketmaster maintained unlawful dominance over the live music industry, with the states’ legal team arguing that the company functioned as a “monopolistic bully.”

During the trial, prosecutors also introduced internal Slack messages between two Live Nation employees as part of their evidence. In one specific exchange, an employee described the prices for a VIP event as “outrageous,” adding that “these people are so stupid” and that “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them,” before ending the message with, “BAHAHAHAHAHA.”

The Department of Justice initially filed the lawsuit two years ago under the Biden administration, alleging that Live Nation’s control of the industry harmed artists, venues, and fans. Plaintiffs argued the company controls roughly 78% of large amphitheaters and, through Ticketmaster, about 86% of primary ticketing for major concert venues.

The ruling lays the groundwork for significant penalties and potentially even a forced breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, though any final outcome will be decided by the judge and is expected to face appeals.