Brazilian Judge Bans Adele Song Worldwide

Those hoping to stream Adele’s “Million Years Ago” on streaming portals may soon be disappointed, as the song has been forced to be taken off the internet following a lawsuit.

A judge at the Commercial Court No. 6 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 13 issued a preliminary injunction banning the reproduction of British singer Adele’s “Million Years Ago” following a plagiarism lawsuit filed by a Brazilian composer.

The court’s order prohibits the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music from “using, copying, publishing, distributing or selling” the song “worldwide” until further notice.

Singer Adele. Photo: Billboard

Failure to comply will result in a fine of up to 7,800 euros. Music companies can appeal the court’s decision, which applies to all distribution channels – including streaming services and other digital platforms in addition to traditional retail. The song is still available on Spotify.

The plagiarism lawsuit was filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geares, 62.

He alleges that Adele’s 2015 song “Million Years Ago” copied the melody of the samba classic “Mulheres” (Women), which was recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila for an album that became a smash hit in 1995.

The melody of Adele’s Million Years Ago allegedly copied the melody of Mulheres. Video:Youtube

Plaintiff Geares is seeking damages of 158 million euros. The plaintiff’s lawyer said Geares’ samba hit was “a landmark in Brazilian music, and thanks to its rich melodies, harmonies and rhythms, it has often been copied to create successful international hits.”

Sony Music Entertainment in Brazil said the company had not received any notice at this time.

The plaintiffs’ claims allege that 88% of Adele’s song’s melody is copied from “Mulheres,” but the singer’s representatives have not responded since 2021. Adele, Sony and Universal have also not commented on the judgment.

Brazil is a signatory to the 1886 Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.

The song “Million Years Ago” also caused controversy in Türkiye in 2015, after music fans there said they noticed similarities to the 1985 song “Acilara Tutunmak” by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya.

“Million Years Ago” was recorded by British singer-songwriter Adele for her third studio album, 25 (2015). Lyrically, the song discusses how fame has affected her and the people around her.

Adele, 36, is considered an iconic British voice for her singing and songwriting abilities. She has won 16 Grammy Awards, 12 BRITs, an Oscar, a Primetime Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Her two albums, 25 and 30, became the best-selling albums worldwide in 2015 and 2021, respectively, and topped the annual worldwide best-selling albums chart of the 21st century.