Why Court Ordered Global Ban On Adele’s ‘Million Years Ago’

A judge in Rio de Janeiro has ordered the worldwide removal of Adele’s 2015 song, ‘Million Years Ago,’ following allegations of plagiarism by Brazilian musician Toninho Geraes.

The decision came after Geraes accused Adele of copying his 1990s samba hit, ‘Mulheres.’ Universal Music, Adele’s label, has since filed an appeal.

To support his claim, Geraes’ legal team provided a side-by-side comparison of the two tracks, emphasizing their similarities. Fredimio Biasotto Trotta, Geraes’ lawyer, hailed the ruling as a significant step in protecting Brazilian artistes. “This ruling shows the strength of the Brazilian justice system and its commitment to safeguarding the rights of local musicians,” Trotta said.

The court’s ruling requires Sony Music and Universal Music to immediately stop all forms of distribution, reproduction, or commercialization of Adele’s song. A fine of 50,000 reais (approximately $8,080) is set for non-compliance. According to Trotta, the Berne Convention, an international treaty, obligates other countries, including the U.S., to respect Brazil’s copyright rulings.

The legal team is notifying streaming platforms such as Spotify and Deezer to take down the song globally. However, the track was still accessible on these platforms as of Wednesday.

Universal Music, in its defense, described the similarities as “accidental” and the result of shared musical elements or “clichés.” The case is further complicated by the fact that both Adele and Geraes are signed under Universal Music. Geraes, expressing frustration with the label, is seeking to terminate his contract and is demanding over $150,000 in damages.

Geraes first became aware of the alleged plagiarism in 2021 when a fellow composer pointed out the resemblance after hearing Adele’s track at a gathering. Universal Music has declined to comment on the matter, and Sony Music has yet to respond.

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