Madonna Faces Lawsuit Over Late Concert Start

Pop icon Madonna is facing a lawsuit after starting a concert over two hours late. Two fans, Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, have filed a legal action against the singer, alleging that the delayed start of the 13 December concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, left them stranded and incurred additional transportation costs. The lawsuit also names Barclays Center and Live Nation as defendants.

This isn’t the first time an artist has faced backlash for tardiness. Last year, Frank Ocean started his Coachella set late, leading to an uneven performance that disappointed fans. Country star Morgan Wallen also faced criticism when he lost his voice just before a scheduled concert, resulting in a breach of contract lawsuit from a disgruntled fan, Brandi Burcham.

What sets this lawsuit against Madonna apart is the inclusion of multiple defendants. Entertainment lawyer Michael Ransom explains that the plaintiffs have added all parties involved, such as the ticketing service, promoter, and venue, to increase the likelihood of their claims succeeding. The lawsuit also accuses the defendants of fraud and deceptive advertising.

While this lawsuit is unique in its allegations, it could have broader implications for the concert industry. The outcome of the case may lead to discussions about setting time limits for artist tardiness and defining where the line is drawn between acceptable and excessive delays. It could also empower fans to take legal action in other concert-related situations.

Nashville-based entertainment consultant Marcie Allen highlights the importance of mutual respect in the artist-fan relationship. She believes that artists owe ticket buyers a quality performance, including a reasonably long show that starts on time. Allen suggests that if the plaintiffs in the Madonna case are successful, it could restore value for fans and ensure that their investment in tickets is worth it.

This lawsuit against Madonna not only challenges the artist-fan relationship but also raises questions about the rights and expectations of concert attendees. As concert tickets become more expensive, it will be interesting to see how this case unfolds and its potential impact on the music industry.