In a recent legal development in Brazil, a judge has ordered that a 2015 song by Adele be taken down from streaming services worldwide.
The case dates back to September 2021 when Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes accused Adele of plagiarizing a piece of his music.
Geraes claims that Adele, whose full name is Adele Adkins, copied his samba hit “Mulheres” [Women] from his 1995 album, made famous by Brazilian artist Martinho da Vila.
According to AFP, Geraes’ lawyer Fredimio Trotta described the 62-year-old composer’s song as ‘a landmark for Brazilian music.’
Trotta also mentioned that the song has ‘frequently been replicated to create successful international hits.’
The song in question is an acoustic track from Adele’s third studio album, 25, released in 2015. The accusation suggests that this track plagiarizes the melody of Geraes’ work.
The legal claim specifically targets Adele’s “Million Years Ago,” alleging that it borrows from “Mulheres.” The suit seeks songwriting credit for Geraes, compensation for lost royalties, and $160,000 in moral damages.
In a previous interview with the BBC, Geraes expressed, “I think that, if there is justice, I should be compensated for what this song has already generated in dividends. Our desire is for public reparations, but my intention was never to expose Adele.”
On December 13, Judge Victor Torres issued an injunction from Rio de Janeiro’s sixth commercial court, demanding that Sony and Universal, Adele’s record labels, cease all global distribution and commercial activities related to the song “Million Years Ago.”
The injunction also includes a penalty of $8,000 for non-compliance against the Brazilian branches of Universal and Sony, but these companies have the option to appeal.
Trotta remarked, “International producers and artists who […] have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision.”
He further stated that efforts would be made to notify radio, TV broadcasters, and streaming services about the court ruling, according to The Guardian.
This is not the first time Adele’s song has been accused of plagiarism.
Shortly after its release, fans of the singer Ahmet Kaya pointed out resemblances between “Million Years Ago” and the title track from Kaya’s 1985 album “Acilara Tutunmak” [Clinging to Pain].
However, Kaya’s widow, acknowledging his death in 2000, expressed doubt that Adele intentionally copied the song, as reported by NME.