Live Nation has settled a lawsuit filed by a concertgoer who alleged he suffered a brain injury at a Luke Bryan concert in 2022. Gary Stanhope claimed security at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford, Connecticut, failed to intervene in a fight, leading to his injuries.
Stanhope's legal team argued he was assaulted and violently beaten without provocation after stepping in to help a woman. He was reportedly knocked out and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in permanent brain injuries that affected his ability to work.
Live Nation, which owns the venue, moved the case to federal court. The company argued it had hired over 100 security guards and a dozen police officers, and had visitor screening in place. They also claimed Stanhope's injuries were due to the reckless conduct of others, over which they had no control.
A judge denied Live Nation's initial attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, ruling that Stanhope had sufficient evidence to question the adequacy of security. The two parties have now mutually settled the legal dispute before it went to court. While details of the settlement remain undisclosed, reports suggest an agreement was reached in July, and the lawsuit was dismissed last week.