A Rio de Janeiro judge has ordered a worldwide ban on Adele’s popular 2015 hit, Million Years Ago, following claims of plagiarism by Brazilian musician Toninho Geraes.
The legal battle, which has taken an unexpected turn, centers around accusations that Adele’s song closely resembles Geraes’ 1990s samba hit Mulheres.
The ruling, handed down earlier this week, has sparked a media frenzy, especially in Brazil, where Geraes is well-known for his contributions to samba music.
Geraes, who is recognized as one of Brazil’s leading samba composers, claims that Adele’s track copied significant elements of his song, including melodies and rhythms. His legal team has presented a side-by-side comparison of both tracks, which they believe clearly shows the similarities.
“This ruling proves that the Brazilian justice system is strong,” said Fredimio Biasotto Trotta, Geraes’ lawyer. “It sends a message that Brazilian artists’ rights will not be disregarded, and that plagiarism will not be tolerated.”
The ruling has had an immediate impact on Adele’s global presence, with the court ordering Universal Music, Adele’s record label, to halt all forms of reproduction, distribution, and commercialization of the song.
Failure to comply with the order could result in a fine of 50,000 reais (around $8,080), a substantial amount that adds pressure on the music industry giants involved.
The court’s decision has raised eyebrows internationally. According to Trotta, the Berne Convention, a treaty that governs copyright laws in signatory countries, mandates that nations like the United States and the United Kingdom honor the ruling.
Geraes’ legal team is actively working to have the song removed from global streaming platforms such as Spotify and Deezer. However, as of Wednesday, Million Years Ago remained available on these platforms.
Universal Music, Adele’s label, has decided to appeal the decision, arguing that the similarities between the two songs are purely coincidental. They suggest that any resemblance between Million Years Ago and Mulheres is due to the use of common musical patterns or “clichés” found in many songs.
The dispute is complicated by the fact that both Adele and Geraes are signed to Universal Music. Geraes has expressed frustration with his contract, which he claims has limited his success. He is now seeking to terminate his agreement with the label and has demanded compensation in excess of $150,000.
The plagiarism allegations first came to light in 2021 when a fellow composer and friend of Geraes heard Million Years Ago at a party. After listening to the song, the friend noticed striking similarities to Geraes’ Mulheres and alerted the samba musician.
“I couldn’t believe it when I first heard Adele’s song. It felt like my own work was being stolen,” Geraes said. “This isn’t just about money; it’s about respect for the hard work we put into our music.”
As the legal battle continues, it remains unclear what the final outcome will be. Universal Music has yet to comment publicly on the matter, and Sony Music, which distributes Geraes’ music, has not issued a statement either.
For now, the music world is watching closely as the case unfolds. Geraes’ legal victory in Brazil is being hailed as a win for musicians seeking to protect their intellectual property.
The case also raises larger questions about the power of major record labels, like Universal Music, and their ability to navigate legal challenges from artists on the other side of the globe.
“This case isn’t just about Adele or Geraes,” said Brazilian music journalist Ricardo Andrade. “It is about the larger issue of copyright and how it is enforced worldwide. It’s a statement that artists, no matter how famous or unknown, deserve protection from theft of their creative work.”
As for Adele, the ban on her song represents a significant setback, but it also opens a wider conversation about the responsibilities of artists and the potential for disputes in the global music industry.
