Adele’s song “Million Years Ago” has been ordered to be removed from all radio and streaming platforms worldwide following a ruling by a Brazilian court. The decision stems from allegations of plagiarism brought by Brazilian singer-songwriter Toninho Geraes, who claims that the track, released in 2015, copied his 1996 song “Mulheres,” performed by Martinho da Vila. The court’s ruling mandates that both Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music halt any global distribution, reproduction, or commercial use of the song, which includes radio play, streaming, and physical media.
The case was initiated in 2021 when Geraes accused Adele of plagiarizing his work. Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro issued a preliminary injunction, which was followed by a fine threat for any non-compliance, amounting to $8,000 per infraction. The ruling has sparked significant attention, especially in the Brazilian music industry, with Geraes’ lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, framing it as a major win for local artists. Trotta emphasized that the ruling would send a strong message to international producers and musicians about the risks of appropriating Brazilian music for commercial gain.
In addition to the removal order, Geraes is suing Adele for lost royalties, damages amounting to $160,000, and a songwriting credit for “Million Years Ago.” The case underscores ongoing concerns within the Brazilian music community regarding the exploitation of its musical heritage by international artists.
This ruling is not the first time Adele’s song has faced plagiarism accusations. Earlier, Turkish fans alleged that “Million Years Ago” bore similarities to the 1985 track “Acilara Tutunmak” by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya, further complicating the song’s legal and ethical standing.
The case highlights broader issues of intellectual property and the protection of cultural works in an increasingly globalized music industry, with the Brazilian court’s decision setting a precedent for future claims of musical plagiarism. As the legal battle continues, Adele’s representatives, along with Sony and Universal Music, have yet to comment publicly on the situation.
