“Million Years Ago” under the magnifying glass of Brazilian justice.
A Brazilian judge has ordered the song's global withdrawal “Million Years Ago” of Adelereleased in 2015, following a plagiarism lawsuit filed by the Brazilian composer Toninho Geraeswho alleges that the melody of his samba “Women”recorded by Martinho da Vila In 1995, it was plagiarized in the song Adele.
The court order, issued by the judge Victor Torres in the sixth commercial court of Rio de Janeiro, requires Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music to cease “immediately and globally the use, reproduction, editing, distribution or commercialization” of “Million Years Ago” in any format, whether physical or digital, including streaming platforms streaming. In addition, a fine of $8,000 has been established for each act of non-compliance.
Toninho Geraes62, is seeking compensation for lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages and to be recognized as co-author of the song. Adele. Your lawyer, Fredimio Trottaconsiders this decision as a “milestone for Brazilian music”, which has frequently been used without authorization in international hits. Trotta He also indicated that they will work to inform radio, television and information services streaming around the world about this ruling, in the hope of deterring future cases of misuse of Brazilian music.
It is important to note that this judicial decision is preliminary and can be appealed by the parties involved. Until now, neither Adele Nor have their representatives issued public comments on the case.
It is not the first time that “Million Years Ago” faces accusations of plagiarism. In 2015, its similarity to “Acilara Tutunmak”a 1985 song by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya. However, no legal action was taken at that time, and the widow of Kaya expressed doubts that Adele I would have intentionally plagiarized the song.
