Ticketmaster class-action settlement to reimburse 1 million Canadians for deceptive fees

People who purchased event tickets through Ticketmaster in 2018 are now eligible for compensation following a $6-million settlement that was finalized last week at Regina’s Court of King’s Bench. The settlement could potentially benefit around a million Canadians who were affected by Ticketmaster’s pricing practices.

The lawsuit, initiated by Crystal Watch, accused Ticketmaster of concealing ticket fees in 2018. Although Ticketmaster denied any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the case without going to trial. As part of the settlement, affected customers may receive up to $45 in Ticketmaster credit to use towards future ticket purchases. The credit is transferable but can only be redeemed once.

Crystal Watch, the representative plaintiff, was awarded an honorarium of $25,000 from the settlement amount. The lawsuit was overseen by Justice Graeme Mitchell, who stated in the published decision that eligible customers should expect to receive an email from Ticketmaster with instructions on how to claim their credit.

To qualify for compensation, individuals must have purchased tickets through Ticketmaster for Canadian events between January 1 and June 30, 2018. Customers in Quebec and Ticketmaster employees are not eligible for the credit. Regina lawyer Tony Merchant, who represented the plaintiffs, estimates that up to 100,000 people in Saskatchewan and approximately a million people nationwide could benefit from the settlement.

The distribution of the $6-million settlement will see lawyers receiving $1,725,000 in fees, leaving $4.3 million to be divided among the affected individuals. Despite not being a significant sum, Justice Mitchell acknowledged the importance of pursuing consumer protection lawsuits like this as class actions, stating that class counsel should be rewarded for their efforts in achieving a successful resolution.

If eligible Ticketmaster users do not receive an email with instructions on how to claim their credit, they are advised to contact Tony Merchant’s law firm for assistance. The settlement marks a victory for consumers who were impacted by Ticketmaster’s pricing practices and serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and fairness in the ticketing industry.