Madonna is facing legal trouble again as a fan sues her over her Celebration World Tour, per people.com. Justen Lipeles filed a class action lawsuit in California on May 30, claiming Madonna and her promoter Live Nation misled concertgoers about the content and start times of her shows.
Lipeles alleges that Madonna’s performances at four California venues in February and March began much later than advertised, forcing fans to wait until after 10 p.m. The lawsuit also accuses Madonna of maintaining an uncomfortable temperature during her shows and lip-synching much of her performance.
A significant point of contention in the lawsuit is the allegation that concertgoers were “forced to watch topless women” simulate “sexual acts” onstage without prior warning, which Lipeles describes as “subjecting them to pornography.” This element of the performance, he argues, was not disclosed in marketing materials, thus deceiving ticket buyers.
Madonna has long been known for her provocative performances, often incorporating erotic dancing and explicit themes. This lawsuit, however, marks another instance where her artistic choices have sparked legal disputes.
The lawsuit names Forum Entertainment, Kia Forum, Acrisure Arena, the Golden 1 Center, and Chase Center alongside Madonna and Live Nation. Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages for breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, emotional distress, unfair competition, and false advertising.
A representative for Madonna has not commented on the lawsuit.
This is not the first time Madonna has faced legal action over her tour. In January, she was sued by two fans for starting a concert late at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Madonna’s legal team sought to dismiss that lawsuit, arguing that concert start times were not explicitly guaranteed.
Despite these legal challenges, Madonna’s Celebration Tour has been commercially successful, drawing large audiences and receiving positive reviews. Live Nation has indicated its intention to vigorously defend against the latest lawsuit, as it did with previous claims regarding the tour.
•Featured image: Madonna on her Celebration World Tour in December 2023 in Brooklyn/Matthew Rettenmund/Splashnews
