'Million Years Ago', a track in Adele's album '25', is under scrutiny as a Brazilian judge orders its removal from streaming platforms worldwide after a composer accused the British singer of plagiarism.
- December 18, 2024
AceShowbiz - Adele's 2015 song "Million Years Ago," featured on her hit album "25", is a subject of a plagiarism lawsuit, prompting a Brazilian judge to demand its removal from all digital streaming services globally.
The lawsuit was initiated by 62-year-old Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, who claims that Adele's track ripped off the music of his 1995 samba classic "Mulheres (Women)," recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila on the album "Tá DelÃcia, Tá Gostoso."
It has been reported that expert analysis and overlapping of the melodies from both songs display an "undisguised symmetry," reinforcing Geraes' claims. Consequently, Judge Victor Torres issued an injunction from Rio de Janeiro's sixth commercial court, which mandates the immediate global halt of the song's use, reproduction, distribution, or commercialisation by the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal, Adele's labels.
Non-compliance with this order could result in fines of up to $8,000 (£6,300) "per act of non-compliance." Both music labels have the option to appeal the decision.
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes' lawyer, stated, "It is a landmark for Brazilian music, which…has often been copied to compose successful international hits."
Trotta's firm is actively working to ensure global radio and television broadcasters, as well as streaming services, are alerted to the ruling. The ultimate goal is for Adele's song, which boasts over 223 million streams on Spotify, to be pulled from all streaming platforms once judicial notifications are concluded. As of now, a specific removal date has not been set.
Geraes is seeking substantial damages: lost royalties, $160,000 (£127,000) in moral damages, and songwriting credit on Adele's track. He has also requested compensation for the song's producer, Greg Kurstin.
This case echoes past allegations in 2015 when Turkish music fans accused Adele of copying the 1985 song "Acilara Tutunmak" by Kurdish musician Ahmet Kaya. Despite the controversy, no legal action was pursued then.
Adele, currently enjoying an estimated net worth of $220 million from her successful career in music and merchandise, recently concluded a two-year Las Vegas residency. She reflected on this chapter of her life, hinting at uncertainty regarding future releases and tours.
Adele has not yet publicly commented on the latest legal developments. The unfolding of this case will undoubtedly be closely watched by both her fans and the global music community.
