A significant plagiarism row has erupted, as a Brazilian judge has indeed ordered Adele’s 2015 song “Million Years Ago” to be removed from streaming services globally. This preliminary injunction, issued by Judge Victor Torres in Rio de Janeiro in December 2024, stems from a lawsuit filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. The ruling has sent ripples through the international music industry, highlighting ongoing copyright challenges.
The core of this plagiarism row is Geraes’s claim that “Million Years Ago” plagiarizes his 1996 samba classic “Mulheres” (Women), famously recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila. Geraes is seeking lost royalties, significant moral damages, and a songwriting credit on Adele’s hit. His legal team provided musical comparisons to support their allegations of striking similarities between the two tracks.
The judge’s decision mandates that Adele’s labels, Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, immediately and globally cease all use, reproduction, distribution, or commercialization of “Million Years Ago.” Failure to comply with this order carries a fine of $8,000 per act of non-compliance, emphasizing the seriousness of this plagiarism row.
This legal development is considered a landmark case for Brazilian music. Geraes’s lawyer has stated that the ruling aims to deter international artists and producers from illicitly using Brazilian musical works. It underscores the increasing global scrutiny on intellectual property rights and the protection of cultural heritage in music.
While the ruling is a preliminary injunction, not a final judgment, it nonetheless represents a significant victory for Geraes. Both Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music have the option to appeal the decision, indicating that this plagiarism row is far from over and could proceed through further court battles.
The case also brings to light previous, albeit unpursued, allegations of plagiarism against “Million Years Ago.” In 2015, fans of Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya claimed the song resembled his 1985 track “Acilara Tutunmak” (Clinging to Pain), though no legal action resulted from those accusations.