A Brazilian court has issued a global injunction against Adele’s song “Million Years Ago” after composer Toninho Geraes accused the singer of plagiarism. Geraes claims the 2015 ballad closely resembles his 1995 samba composition “Mulheres”, made famous by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila.
Judge Victor Torres of the Sixth Commercial Court in Rio de Janeiro ordered Sony and Universal Music to halt all forms of distribution and commercialization of Adele’s track worldwide. This includes removing it from streaming platforms. The court warned of an $8,000 fine for each instance of non-compliance. Both music companies are expected to appeal the ruling.
Geraes is demanding compensation for lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, and official credit as a songwriter on the track. His lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, praised the court’s decision, stating it highlights the importance of protecting Brazilian music and could set a precedent for preventing unauthorized use of local compositions by global artists.
This is not the first time Adele’s “Million Years Ago” has faced plagiarism allegations. In 2015, listeners compared the song to “Acilara Tutunmak”, a 1985 track by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya. However, Kaya’s widow dismissed the idea that Adele deliberately copied the song.
Adele and her representatives have yet to comment on the latest legal ruling. The injunction underscores the complexities of intellectual property disputes in the music industry, particularly when global stars face claims from less internationally prominent artists.
