Adele's Hit Faces Global Ban After Shocking Plagiarism Lawsuit

A Brazilian composer claims his samba hit was stolen note for note.

Damjan

• Published in Music
• December 20, 2024

Accusations of plagiarism in the music industry are uncommon, often leading to heated legal battles. These disputes can arise when similarities between songs are seen as too striking to be a coincidence, leading to claims that one artist has copied another’s work.

One such case has recently made headlines, involving the internationally acclaimed British singer Adele. The dispute centers around her song "Million Years Ago," from her 2015 album 25, and a Brazilian samba track called "Mulheres" by composer Toninho Geraes.

Geraes claims that Adele's song plagiarizes his 1995 hit, popularized by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila. Toninho Geraes, a respected figure in Brazilian music, alleges that Adele's acoustic track, which features only a guitar, mirrors the melody of his song "Mulheres."

The composer’s lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, emphasized that "Mulheres" is a significant work in Brazilian music and has influenced numerous international hits. Geraes believes that Adele's song, in particular, shares enough similarities with his track to constitute plagiarism.

As part of the lawsuit, he is seeking a songwriting credit for the hit, compensation for lost royalties, and $160,000 in moral damages. The Brazilian composer had been quiet for some time before making his claims public in 2021.

He expressed that his goal was not to create a public spectacle but to seek fair compensation for his song's influence on the global music scene. Geraes also made it clear that his aim was not to harm Adele personally but to ensure that his contributions to music were recognized and properly credited.

He said, “If there is justice, I should be compensated for what this song has already generated in dividends.”

Adele's "Million Years Ago" is facing accusations of plagiarism.

On December 13, 2024, the case took a significant turn when Judge Victor Torres issued an injunction in Rio de Janeiro's sixth commercial court. The ruling ordered significant record labels Sony and Universal, representing Adele, to remove "Million Years Ago" from streaming platforms worldwide.

The injunction also prohibits the use, reproduction, editing, distribution, or commercialization of the song by any means, whether physical, digital or through streaming. The companies involved were warned that failure to comply with the order would result in an $8,000 fine, although the labels can appeal the decision.

This legal action is part of a more significant movement in the music industry where artists and composers are increasingly vigilant about using their work. Trotta, Geraes' lawyer, expressed that the ruling sends a strong message to international producers and artists who might consider using Brazilian music for their own gain.

He hopes that the decision will make others think twice before borrowing elements of Brazilian culture without proper acknowledgment. His firm also ensures that radio stations, TV broadcasters, and streaming platforms are aware of the court's ruling.

This isn't the first time the song has faced accusations of plagiarism.

Interestingly, "Million Years Ago" had previously faced accusations of plagiarism shortly after its release. Fans of Turkish singer Ahmet Kaya claimed that Adele's song shared similarities with Kaya's 1985 track "Acilara Tutunmak" (Clinging to Pain).

Despite the claims, Kaya’s widow suggested that Adele had unlikely copied the song, as the two artists did not share a close connection. Nonetheless, the accusations highlight how artists often face scrutiny regarding the originality of their work, especially when songs share common elements or styles.

The case between Geraes and Adele shows how tricky copyright issues can be in the music world. Some people believe it's normal for songs to sound similar, especially when they come from the same cultural roots, while others think artists should be paid fairly for their work.

In this case, Geraes isn’t just asking for money; he wants recognition for his contribution to music that has inspired artists worldwide. Adele hasn't publicly spoken about the legal situation, and her team hasn’t commented on the court's decision.

Whether Geraes will win the case is still uncertain, but it could have a more significant impact on how international artists handle music from different cultures.

Damjan