Plagiarism: Brazilian judge orders removal Adele’s ‘Million Years Ago’
A Brazilian judge has ordered the global removal of Adele’s 2015 hit song “Million Years Ago” from streaming platforms and distribution channels due to an ongoing plagiarism claim.
The injunction, issued by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro’s 6th Commercial Court, threatens Adele’s labels — Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music — with fines of $8,000 per violation if they do not comply.
The decision came after Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes accused Adele of plagiarizing the melody of his 1995 samba classic “Mulheres” (“Women”), recorded by the legendary Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila. Geraes’s lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, called the ruling a milestone for Brazilian music, stating:
“It is a landmark for Brazilian music, which… has often been copied to compose successful international hits.”
Judge Torres’s injunction specifically demands Sony and Universal to: “Immediately and globally, stop using, reproducing, editing, distributing, or commercializing the song ‘Million Years Ago’ by any modality, means, physical or digital support, streaming or sharing platform.”
Geraes is seeking compensation for lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, and songwriting credit on Adele’s track. The injunction also mandates that broadcasters and streaming platforms worldwide be informed of the ruling.
This is not the first plagiarism accusation leveled against Adele’s “Million Years Ago.” In 2015, Turkish music fans claimed the song resembled Ahmet Kaya’s 1985 track “Acılara Tutunmak” (“Clinging to Pain”). Kaya’s widow, however, dismissed the likelihood of deliberate plagiarism, noting Adele’s stature as a global star.
While Sony Music Entertainment Brazil has yet to comment and Universal Music Brazil has remained silent, Trotta believes this ruling will serve as a deterrent: “International producers and artists who… have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision.”
The ruling underscores Brazil’s commitment to international copyright protection, as the country is a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention.
The music world now awaits the outcome of appeals and potential settlements as Adele’s song faces its most significant legal challenge yet.
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