Madonna, Live Nation respond to late concert lawsuit: 'We intend to defend this case vigorously'
Madonna and promoter Live Nation will "vigorously" defend a lawsuit filed by fans over her delayed concert in New York City.
Last week, two ticket buyers, Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, filed a case against the Queen of Pop for engaging in "unconscionable, unfair, and/or deceptive trade practices" after starting her "Celebrations Tour" show in Brooklyn on Dec. 13 two hours late.
The artist and the concert promoter released a statement about the allegations, adding that a technical issue during the Dec. 13 show caused the delay.
"The shows opened in North America at Barclays in Brooklyn as planned, with the exception of a technical issue December 13th during soundcheck,” Madonna’s representatives and Live Nation said.
“This caused a delay that was well documented in press reports at the time. We intend to defend this case vigorously.”
In Fellows and Hadden's suit, Madonna, Live Nation, and the venue Barclays Centers were named as defendants. The pair claimed there was a breach of contract and "a wanton exercise in false advertising" during the show and that ticket holders weren't given any notice that the concert would start later than advertised.
The claim added that the organizers "knew or should have known" about the delay and alleged that the Material Girl singer has a "years-long history" of taking the stage late.
The men added that because the concert ended at 1 a.m., they were left stranded with "limited public transportation options" so they were left with no choice but to opt for a car service.
The pop icon's Celebration Tour began in October 2023 and is set to wrap up in April 2024.