Adele’s ‘Million Years Ago’ faces global ban over plagiarism claim after Brazilian court ruling
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Adele, known for her chart-topping hits, has faced legal challenges over her music before, like many successful artists, but none involving plagiarism claims from Brazil have drawn major media attention.
The singer now faces a copyright claim over a track from her 2015 album '25'. A judge has ordered the global removal of Adele's song "Million Years Ago" from streaming platforms as it undergoes scrutiny for alleged plagiarism.
Adele faces copyright claim over her track from 2015 album
This is not Adele's first encounter with copyright controversy. In 2015, fans in Turkey accused her of borrowing elements from Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya’s 1985 song "Acilara Tutunmak" for the same track, "Million Years Ago".
Those claims were later dismissed by Ahmet Kaya's widow, Gulten Kaya, who stated she did not believe the similarities were intentional.
Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes has filed a copyright claim against Adele, who recently announced an indefinite break from music. Geraes alleges that her song "Million Years Ago" plagiarized the melody of his samba track "Mulheres (Women)", recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995.
In response to the claim, Geraes is seeking $160,000 in lost royalties, "moral damages," and a songwriting credit on Adele's track.
On Friday, Dec. 13, Rio de Janeiro judge Victor Torres issued a warning to the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal Music, Adele's labels, threatening a fine of $8,000 for each instance of non-compliance.
A preliminary injunction granted by Judge Victor Torres on Monday, December 16, and obtained by AFP, ordered Sony and Universal to immediately halt all use, reproduction, distribution, and commercialization of "Million Years Ago" in any form, including physical copies, digital platforms, streaming services, or sharing platforms.
Geraes's lawyer, Trotta, told AFP that the ruling marks a significant moment for Brazilian music, which has often been incorporated into international hits without proper credit. He added that efforts would be made to notify radio stations, television broadcasters, and streaming platforms worldwide about the Brazilian court's decision.
He added, "The decision interrupts this harmful, criminal act, and now time is running out against those being prosecuted. Because interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn't make a profit," according to Sky News.
Sony Brazil has not issued a statement on the case, and Universal Music Brazil has yet to respond as of December 17, as per The Guardian.
Trotta added that the ruling sends a clear message to international producers and artists considering using Brazilian music without proper attribution, urging them to think carefully before proceeding.
What is Adele doing now?
The singer of "Rolling in the Deep," Adele, shared with her fans, "I just need a rest. I have spent the last seven years building a new life for myself and I want to live it now. I want to live my life that I’ve been building and I will miss you terribly."
She reassured her fans, saying, "But after that, I will not see you for an incredibly long time. And I will hold you dear in my heart for that whole length of my break," as per Billboard.
Reflecting on her plans, Adele mentioned taking a break from music earlier this summer, stating, "I don’t have any plans for new music at all." The singer, who has expressed discomfort with fame, added, "I want a big break after this and I think I want to do other creative things, just for a little while."
This follows her earlier confession in January during her weekend shows, where she told the audience, "I just don’t think I’m gonna write an album for quite some time."
