Thirty Seconds to Mars fan goes to court after concert in Almaty

Tengrinews.kz — A relative's injury on the eve of a concert is not sufficient grounds for organizers to issue a ticket refund. This was the conclusion reached by District Court No. 2 of the Kazybekbi District in Karaganda, while hearing a lawsuit filed by a local resident against the organizers of a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert.
What happened
The woman purchased three tickets for the Thirty Seconds to Mars concert. One was intended for her relative, who suffered an injury and was unable to attend the performance.
On the eve of the concert, the buyer requested a refund for one ticket from the organizer. The request was denied, prompting the woman to take the matter to court.
She sought a refund of 40,000 tenge for the ticket and 15,000 tenge in compensation for moral damages.
The concert organizer contested the claims. The company explained that the event took place as scheduled and that the woman had applied for a refund too late.
Why the court denied the refund
According to the organizer's policy, tickets cannot be returned if there are fewer than three working days remaining before the concert. Refunds are also not issued during or after the performance.
However, there are exceptions. For instance, a ticket can be refunded if the buyer themselves falls ill, or in the event of the death of a family member or close relative.
In this case, the court ruled that the relative's injury did not provide sufficient grounds for a refund.
The court clarified that the ticket could have been used by the woman herself or by someone else. Therefore, the organizer is not obligated to refund its cost.
Ultimately, the court dismissed both claims: the woman received neither the 40,000 tenge for the ticket nor the 15,000 tenge for moral damages.
She attempted to appeal the decision, but the regional court upheld the original ruling.
Details of the Almaty concert
Thirty Seconds to Mars performed on June 21, 2025, at the Spartak Stadium in Almaty. This was the band's only concert in Central Asia.
The group is fronted by American actor and musician Jared Leto, who is also well-known for his roles in films such as "Dallas Buyers Club," "Suicide Squad," and "House of Gucci."
In 2024, the band had already visited Kazakhstan and performed in Astana.
Background on Jared Leto
In the summer of 2026, the musician became the center of a scandal following a BBC investigation. Four women accused him of sexual assault, alleging that some of the events took place while they were minors.
Leto himself denied the allegations. Speaking to the TMZ portal on July 29, 2026, he stated:

"I have never sexually assaulted anyone in my life. These allegations are absolutely and categorically false."

Media later reported that the actor would no longer star in the political thriller "Assassination," directed by Barry Levinson. According to sources, the filmmakers may have decided to end their collaboration with him amid the scandal.