In a surprising turn of events, a Brazilian judge has ruled that Adele’s 2015 hit “Million Years Ago” must be pulled from circulation worldwide due to a plagiarism lawsuit filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. The lawsuit claims that Adele’s song copies elements from Geraes’ 1995 track “Mulheres” (Women), which was recorded by Martinho da Vila. The legal battle, initiated in 2021, is ongoing, but this recent ruling demands immediate action from Adele’s record labels.
The injunction, issued by Judge Victor Torres in Rio de Janeiro, orders that Adele’s song be removed globally from all platforms, including streaming services, physical and digital formats, and any form of distribution or commercialization. The court’s decision also imposes significant penalties for non-compliance, with Sony and Universal’s Brazilian subsidiaries facing fines of $8,000 for each instance of failing to adhere to the ruling.
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes’ lawyer, expressed that this decision follows an escalation in their legal requests, as the case has been dragging on for a while. Trotta emphasized that this ruling halts the alleged infringement, stating that “interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn’t make a profit.” Geraes is seeking compensation for lost royalties and a substantial $160,000 in damages. He also demands songwriting credit for “Million Years Ago,” further intensifying the legal conflict.
Although Adele has not yet commented on the ruling, her team, as well as Sony and Universal, have been contacted for a response. This legal saga is adding to the growing tensions surrounding Adele’s 2015 song, which, despite its global popularity, is now at the center of a serious copyright dispute.
In the midst of the case, Adele’s career continues to unfold, as she wrapped up her highly successful Las Vegas residency in December 2024, telling fans she needed a break from performing. Known for her deeply personal and emotional music, Adele has achieved immense success since her debut at the age of 19 with her album 19, followed by 21 in 2011 and 25 in 2015. 21 alone is among the UK’s top-selling albums of all time. Yet, this unexpected legal challenge could cast a shadow over her iconic discography if the plagiarism claims hold weight.
The case remains to be fully resolved, and its outcome could have significant implications for Adele, Geraes, and the music industry as a whole, particularly regarding how copyright disputes are handled globally.
