A Brazilian judge has issued a preliminary injunction ordering the removal of Adele’s song “Million Years Ago” from worldwide circulation following a plagiarism claim by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes.
The injunction, handed down by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro’s sixth commercial court, alleges that Adele’s 2015 track bears striking similarities to “Mulheres” (Women), a song recorded by Martinho da Vila in 1995.
While the case, filed in 2021, remains ongoing, the court’s directive requires the song to be pulled from all platforms during the legal proceedings.
The injunction mandates Adele’s record labels, Sony and Universal, to cease “immediately and globally” the use, reproduction, distribution, or commercialization of “Million Years Ago” across all formats, whether physical or digital.
This includes streaming services and sharing platforms. Reports suggest that any breach of the order could result in fines of $8,000 (£6,300) per violation for the Brazilian subsidiaries of these labels.
Fredimio Trotta, the attorney representing Geraes, emphasized the significance of the ruling. Speaking to Sky News, he revealed that their legal team had pushed for stricter measures as the case dragged on.
Trotta stated, “The decision interrupts this harmful, criminal act, and now time is running out against those being prosecuted. Interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn’t make a profit.”
Toninho Geraes is pursuing legal action to recover lost royalties and is seeking damages amounting to $160,000 (£126,000). Additionally, he is demanding songwriting credit for Adele’s track, a move that could further impact the song’s legacy and its associated revenues. The lawsuit underscores the high stakes involved, as both parties prepare for a lengthy legal battle over the allegations.
Adele, now 36, has not publicly commented on the ongoing lawsuit. Known for her deeply emotive performances and chart-topping hits, the British singer recently concluded a 100-night Las Vegas residency. In an emotional farewell, Adele told her fans she was unsure when she would return to performing, citing a need for rest following the grueling schedule.
The case comes amidst the backdrop of Adele’s illustrious career, which began in 2008 when she rose to fame with her debut album, 19. Her follow-up albums, 21 (2011) and 25 (2015), solidified her status as one of the most successful artists of her generation. 21 is the fourth best-selling album of all time in the UK, following legendary acts such as Queen, ABBA, and The Beatles.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the injunction represents a significant development, putting a halt to one of Adele’s celebrated tracks until a final judgment is reached.
The case also raises broader questions about intellectual property rights and the challenges artists face in navigating claims of musical similarities.
For now, “Million Years Ago” remains unavailable globally, a rare and dramatic consequence in the music industry. The outcome of the case will not only impact Adele and her team but could also set a precedent for future cases involving allegations of plagiarism within the music world.
