Adele in legal trouble: Adele’s song Million Years Ago has been ordered removed from streaming platforms worldwide after a Brazilian judge ruled in favor of composer Toninho Geraes, who alleges the track plagiarized his 1995 samba hit Mulheres. Judge Victor Torres of the Sixth Commercial Court in Rio de Janeiro issued the injunction, requiring Sony and Universal Music to halt the distribution of Adele’s song globally. Failure to comply could result in fines of $8,000 per day. This legal battle represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over musical originality and the protection of artistic works.
Adele in legal trouble
Toninho Geraes, represented by lawyer Fredimio Trotta, describes the court’s decision as a victory for Brazilian music, which he claims has often been appropriated without credit. Geraes is seeking $160,000 in compensation for lost royalties and moral damages. Additionally, he demands recognition as a co-author of Million Years Ago, a track from Adele’s 2015 album 25. The composer argues that the melodic structure of Adele’s song closely mirrors his samba classic, originally recorded by Brazilian artist Martinho da Vila.
Record Label’s Defense
Universal Music has responded by filing a request to overturn the ban, calling the allegations of plagiarism unfounded. The label argues that the resemblance between the songs stems from a “musical cliché” rather than deliberate copying. In its submission, Universal points out that the injunction relies on melodic similarities. It contends are common in music and do not necessarily constitute plagiarism. The case, the label insists, hinges on subjective interpretations of musical patterns that can occur across numerous compositions.
Implications for Adele and Global Music
This legal battle places Adele in the center of a contentious debate about the boundaries of artistic inspiration versus plagiarism. The case is a milestone for Geraes and Brazilian music. It also raises broader questions about the global music industry’s handling of copyright issues. If the injunction remains in place, it could set a precedent for similar claims. Especially from lesser-known artists against international stars.
As the case unfolds, Adele and her team must navigate the legal complexities and reputational risks. For now, fans of the singer and supporters of Geraes alike will be watching closely to see how this high-profile dispute shapes the future of music copyright law.
