Olivia Dean Blasts “Exploitative” Ticketing Industry as Ticketmaster Issues Refunds and Caps Resale Prices
Singer-songwriter Olivia Dean is taking a strong stand against the concert ticketing industry, calling it “exploitative” and filled with “inequality.” Her criticism comes after fans were charged extreme markups—some paying more than 14 times face value—for resale tickets to her upcoming North American tour.
Fans Overcharged More Than 14 Times Original Price
The controversy arose when resale listings on platforms operated by Ticketmaster and AXS surged past $1,000 (£750). Disturbed by the soaring prices, Dean published an open letter condemning the practice as “disgusting” and “vile,” urging ticketing companies to “do better” for fans.
Ticketmaster Responds With Refunds and Resale Price Caps
Following the backlash, Ticketmaster announced it would refund fans who were charged excessive markups and introduce resale price caps for her tour on Ticketmaster-operated platforms.
Michael Rapino, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, said the company shares Dean’s desire to ensure fair access:
“We share Olivia’s desire to keep live music accessible and ensure fans have the best access to affordable tickets.”
He added that while Ticketmaster cannot regulate third-party resale sites, the company is committed to “leading by example.”
A Rising Star Speaking Out
Olivia Dean has quickly become one of the year’s breakout artists. She recently scored four songs in the UK Top 20 simultaneously and made her Glastonbury Pyramid Stage debut, where she honored her grandmother with a portrait on her shirt.
After Ticketmaster’s announcement, Dean took to Instagram to push for broader industry reform.
“The Secondary Market Is Exploitative”
In her message, Dean criticized the unregulated secondary ticket market:
“The secondary ticket market is an exploitative and unregulated space. We as an industry have a responsibility to protect people and our community.”
She added that artists should have the option to cap resale at face value before tickets are even listed.
“Thank you for your patience, and I’m looking forward to seeing all you real humans at the show.”
Industry Context: UK Plans to Ban Above-Face-Value Resale
Dean’s comments come as lawmakers in the UK move to make it illegal to resell tickets above face value for concerts, sports, theatre, and other live events.
The development follows an open letter signed by major artists—including Coldplay and Dua Lipa—calling for an end to “extortionate and pernicious” resale markups harming fans.
Their message urged the government to restore faith in the ticketing system and make live entertainment more accessible.
Dean: “Touts Steal From Artists and Fans”
Dean continued her message the following night, emphasizing her commitment to fan access and fair pricing:
“We lose money on nearly every show, but feel passionately it is a worthy investment to create a moment for people to connect and lose themselves.”
She condemned ticket scalpers directly:
“Touts steal from artists and they steal from fans. They create inequality and hysteria.”
For Dean, the solution is non-negotiable:
“Capping resale at face value is your right, and we have a duty to encourage a fair resale market… It’s not every day that you feel heard and understood, so today is a good day.”