Adele is facing considerable fallout from a recent ruling by a Brazilian judge, who has ordered the withdrawal of her song "Million Years Ago" from streaming services across the globe due to allegations of plagiarism. The song, which is part of her immensely popular 2015 album, 25, has been claimed to mimic the melody of Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes' samba hit "Mulheres," which was recorded by Martinho da Vila back in 1995.
Judge Victor Torres issued the injunction on December 13, 2023, during proceedings at Rio de Janeiro's sixth commercial court. The decision has already raised eyebrows, not only for its immediate impact on Adele's music but also for its broader implication for how international artists approach the works of their regional counterparts.
According to reports, Geraes, now 62, submitted his lawsuit alleging plagiarism back in September 2021, asserting there was clear evidence of 'undisguised symmetry' between Adele's tune and his own composition. The court ruled decisively, instructing Adele's record labels—Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music—to cease all forms of distribution, reproduction, and commercialization of the contested song, pending the outcome of the case. Violations of this ruling could result in fines amounting to $8,000 (approximately £6,300) per act of non-compliance.
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes' lawyer, heralded the ruling as "a landmark for Brazilian music, which has often been copied to compose successful international hits." He emphasized the necessity for international producers and artists to be mindful of such decisions moving forward.
Geraes is seeking not only lost royalties but also compensation for moral damages, totaling around $160,000, along with formal songwriting credit on Adele's track. No specific time frame has been provided for when "Million Years Ago" might be withdrawn from services like Spotify or YouTube, where it has garnered millions of streams since its release.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Adele has faced accusations of lifting melodies. When "Million Years Ago" first debuted, it sparked controversy among fans from Turkey who claimed it bore significant similarities to the 1985 hit "Acilara Tutunmak" by Kurdish musician Ahmet Kaya. Gulten Kaya, the late singer's widow, expressed skepticism about the allegations, stating it was unlikely such similarities were intentional. She remarked, "I find it unlikely for Adele, as a global star, to have done such a thing. If she consciously did it, then it would be theft," shedding light on the complex dynamics involved when global artists create music inspired by regional influences.
Adele's impact on the music scene over the years makes the current situation particularly intriguing. Not only has she amassed great wealth through record sales and live performances—estimated at around $220 million—but she also recently wrapped up her high-profile Las Vegas residency, which left her emotional during her final performances.
Despite the turmoil surrounding "Million Years Ago," Adele has openly admitted she is unsure about her future steps, saying during her Las Vegas shows, "I just dunno when I want to next come on stage... it’s time for the next chapter and it’s time for the next season of my life." The uncertainties around her next album or new music releases only add to the speculation following this ruling.
Meanwhile, as the legal processes continue to unravel, industry watchers are questioning the potential ramifications this injunction could have not only for Adele but for other global artists as well. The conversation surrounding plagiarism continues to echo throughout the music industry, especially as cultural works are shared and reinterpreted across borders. This legal precedent could serve as both cautionary and inspirational for talent, who may find themselves treading on sensitive ground when drawing on diverse musical traditions.
Representatives from Sony and Universal have yet to release statements addressing the injunction. With the ruling firmly set, it remains to be seen how effectively the labels will comply and what this means for the future of "Million Years Ago" and Adele's reputation as one of the leading figures of contemporary music.
