Adele Faces Plagiarism Allegations Over 'Million Years Ago'
Adele is facing a plagiarism lawsuit over her song "Million Years Ago," after a Brazilian judge ordered its removal from streaming platforms worldwide. The accusation claims the song "copied" elements from "Mulheres" (Women), a 1995 track composed by Brazilian songwriter Toninho Geraes.
The Court Order
The court order, issued last Friday by Judge Victor Torres from the Sixth Business Court of Rio de Janeiro, mandates Sony and Universal Music's Brazilian branches, which distribute Adele's music, to comply immediately. Failure to do so could result in fines of $8,000 per violation.
The judge's directive requires Sony and Universal Music to "immediately and globally cease the use, reproduction, editing, distribution, or marketing of 'Million Years Ago' in any physical, digital, streaming, or shared format."
Legal Representation and Claims
Fredímio Trotta, the lawyer representing Toninho Geraes, described the court's decision as a "milestone for Brazilian music," highlighting the recurring issue of Brazilian compositions being allegedly copied for global hits.
Through the lawsuit, Geraes seeks financial compensation for moral damages, demanding $160,000 in addition to credit as a co-author of "Million Years Ago." The song was released in 2015 as part of Adele's album 25.
Background of the Dispute
Toninho Geraes claims that the samba song "Mulheres," recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995, was plagiarized in Adele's composition. Universal Music has already responded by filing a motion in the Rio de Janeiro court to "overturn" the decision to ban Adele's song.
Defense Argument
According to Agencia EFE, which accessed the legal documents from Universal Music's law firm, the primary argument centers around "melodic similarity." The document states that musical plagiarism involves more than just similarity, arguing that "there are similarities between the two songs—and dozens of other songs as well."
Finally
As the legal battle continues, the case has sparked widespread debate about artistic originality and intellectual property in the global music industry.
