Adele’s 2015 ballad Million Years Ago has been ordered removed from radio, television, and streaming platforms worldwide after a Brazilian judge ruled it plagiarized a classic song by another artist, multiple outlets, including The Guardian and The Times, report.
The Accusation and Court Ruling
The controversy centers around claims from singer-songwriter Toninho Geraes, 62, who alleges that Adele’s song copied his 1996 hit Mulheres, famously performed by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila. A Rio de Janeiro court sided with Geraes, with Judge Victor Torres issuing a preliminary injunction against Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music.
The ruling demands the immediate and global removal of Million Years Ago across all platforms, including physical and digital media, streaming services, and sharing sites. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of $8,000 per act of non-compliance directed at the Brazilian subsidiaries of Adele’s labels.
Legal Fallout and Broader Implications
Geraes’ attorney, Fredimio Trotta, described the decision as a “landmark for Brazilian music,” emphasizing its significance for protecting the country’s cultural contributions from being exploited. “This ruling sends a strong message to international producers and artists who have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use,” Trotta said, adding that the judgment halts “this harmful, criminal act” of plagiarism.
Geraes is pursuing $160,000 in damages, lost royalties, and a songwriting credit on Adele’s track.
Previous Allegations of Plagiarism
This is not the first time Million Years Ago has faced accusations of plagiarism. Fans in Turkey have previously claimed that the song resembles Acilara Tutunmak, a 1985 track by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya.
Adele and Labels Yet to Respond
Adele, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music have not yet commented on the ruling.
Broader Impacts on Global Music
The case is being hailed as a victory for Brazilian artists, as it challenges the longstanding trend of international hits borrowing from lesser-known cultural works without proper recognition or compensation. As Trotta noted, the decision could force global music producers to think twice before appropriating Brazilian melodies for commercial success.
For now, fans of Adele will no longer hear Million Years Ago on streaming services or airwaves, marking a rare and significant legal victory in the music world.
