A Brazilian court has ordered the global removal of Adele's 2015 song "Million Years Ago" from all streaming platforms, citing allegations of plagiarism.
This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, who claims that Adele's track plagiarized his samba classic "Mulheres," which was recorded by Martinho da Vila in 1995.
The ruling, issued by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro’s Sixth Commercial Court, mandates that Sony and Universal Music, the record labels associated with Adele, cease all forms of distribution and commercialization of the song, both physically and digitally.
The case against Adele was initiated in 2021 when Geraes accused her of copying the melody of his well-known samba piece. The court's decision not only affects the availability of "Million Years Ago" in Brazil but extends globally, reflecting the seriousness of the plagiarism claim.
The injunction threatens the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal with fines of $8,000 for each instance of non-compliance, underlining the court's commitment to enforcing its ruling.
Fredimio Trotta, the lawyer representing Geraes, emphasized the broader implications of this decision, stating that it serves as a warning to international artists and producers who might consider exploiting Brazilian music without proper authorization.
He remarked, "International producers and artists who have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision." Trotta further noted that the injunction aims to halt what he described as a "harmful, criminal act," ensuring that any potential profits from the alleged plagiarism are curtailed.
This is not the first time "Million Years Ago" has faced accusations of plagiarism. In 2015, fans in Turkey pointed out similarities between Adele's song and "Acilara Tutunmak," a 1985 track by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya. However, no formal legal action was pursued in that instance. The current case, however, has gained substantial traction, leading to a landmark ruling that highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights across borders.
Geraes, a renowned figure in the Brazilian music scene with over 250 recorded songs, expressed his determination to see justice served, he shared his resolve, saying, "Another chapter in this important court battle. There's still a long way to go, but I'm still standing firm, with hope and believing in the strength of samba and in justice. The samba is still going strong!" His work has been celebrated by some of Brazil's most acclaimed samba singers, solidifying his reputation as an influential composer.
The legal proceedings have also drawn attention to the broader issue of cultural appropriation in the music industry. Brazil, a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention, which provides international protection for copyrighted works, has often seen its rich musical heritage used in international hits without due credit or compensation.
While Adele has not publicly commented on the recent developments, her record labels, Sony and Universal, are expected to appeal the ruling. The outcome of this appeal could have major ramifications for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially setting a precedent for other artists facing similar allegations.
As the legal battle continues, the music industry watches closely, aware that the resolution of this case could influence how intellectual property rights are enforced globally. For now, the injunction remains in place, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse around plagiarism and cultural respect in music.
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