A Brazilian judge has mandated that Adele’s song “Million Years Ago” be removed from all streaming platforms worldwide due to allegations of plagiarism by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes.
Injunction and Potential Fines
The ruling, issued by Judge Victor Torres in Rio de Janeiro’s 6th Commercial Court, imposes a fine of $8,000 for each instance of non-compliance on the Brazilian branches of Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, Adele’s record labels. Despite this, both companies retain the right to appeal the decision.
Details of the Plagiarism Claim
Toninho Geraes accuses Adele of copying the melody from his samba classic “Mulheres” (“Women”), which was popularized by Martinho da Vila in 1995. Geraes is seeking royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, and songwriting credits for the Adele track.
Legal and Industry Reactions
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes’s legal representative, emphasized the significance of this ruling, suggesting it sets a precedent for protecting Brazilian music from being used without proper acknowledgment or compensation. He plans to notify broadcasters and streaming services globally of this decision.
Previous Allegations and International Context
This isn’t the first time “Million Years Ago” has faced plagiarism accusations; in 2015, Turkish fans highlighted similarities between the song and “Acılara Tutunmak” by the late Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya. Kaya’s widow, however, dismissed the claims, suggesting it was unlikely for a star like Adele to plagiarize intentionally.
Legal Framework
Brazil’s participation in the Berne Convention of 1886 supports this international enforcement of copyright, ensuring protection for works across borders. The case continues, with further developments expected as the music labels decide on their legal response.
