Adele's 'Million Years Ago' removed globally after Brazilian court rules plagiarism

A Brazilian judge orders Adele's 'Million Years Ago' off all platforms globally, citing plagiarism of a 1996 hit.

A Brazilian court has ordered Adele’s 2015 song Million Years Ago to be removed from all radio and streaming platforms worldwide, citing plagiarism. The decision was made after Toninho Geraes, a Brazilian singer-songwriter, claimed the track copied his 1996 composition Mulheres.

Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro issued a preliminary injunction against Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, requiring the song's global removal from all physical and digital formats. The ruling also demands an $8,000 fine per instance of non-compliance for the Brazilian subsidiaries of Adele's labels.

Geraes’ attorney, Fredimio Trotta, described the ruling as a landmark case for Brazilian music, emphasizing its potential to deter international plagiarism. "This decision interrupts this harmful act, ensuring that Brazilian music isn't exploited for profit," Trotta told Sky News.

The case, filed in 2021, seeks $160,000 in damages, a songwriting credit for Geraes, and compensation for lost royalties. Fans of Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya previously accused Million Years Ago of resembling his 1985 track Acilara Tutunmak.

Adele’s representatives, Sony Music, and Universal Music have not commented on the ruling. The court's decision has ignited discussions about protecting local music from exploitation in the global music industry.