Brazilian Court Rules Against Adele: A Global Ban on "Million Years Ago" Looms Over Plagiarism Allegations
Adele, one of the most celebrated voices in global pop music, faces a significant challenge as a Brazilian court has ordered her 2015 hit "Million Years Ago" to be pulled from all streaming platforms worldwide. The ruling stems from allegations by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, who claims that Adele's song borrows heavily from his 1995 samba classic, "Mulheres." This development not only questions the originality of the chart-topping track but also sets a precedent in the protection of intellectual property rights across borders.
The legal decision, delivered by Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro's 6th Commercial Court, requires Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, Adele’s labels, to immediately cease all global use, reproduction, and distribution of "Million Years Ago." The ruling includes both digital and physical platforms and threatens a hefty fine of $8,000 per violation for non-compliance.
The Plagiarism Allegations
Geraes alleges that "Million Years Ago" mirrors the melody and essence of his samba composition "Mulheres," which gained fame through Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila. Geraes is seeking songwriting credit, $160,000 in moral damages, and royalties for the track. The composer initially sought an amicable resolution with Adele’s team, but after no progress, he moved to legal action.
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes's lawyer, emphasized the significance of the ruling, calling it a victory for Brazilian music. He stated that it should serve as a warning to international artists tempted to appropriate elements of Brazilian compositions without proper acknowledgment or permission.
Adele’s History of Plagiarism Accusations
This isn’t the first time Adele's "Million Years Ago" has sparked controversy. In 2015, Turkish music enthusiasts accused the song of plagiarizing Ahmet Kaya’s 1985 track, "Acılara Tutunmak." While Kaya's widow dismissed the claims, this new legal battle brings fresh scrutiny to the song's origins.
A Broader Implication for Music and Copyrights
Brazil’s adherence to the 1886 Berne Convention underscores the international protection of copyrighted works, and this case could have far-reaching implications for global music production. Trotta noted that the ruling should deter artists and producers from exploiting Brazilian music, a sentiment echoed by Geraes, who views this as a turning point for the recognition of Brazilian cultural contributions.
The court’s decision has sparked conversations about intellectual property and artistic inspiration. While Adele's legal team has not yet commented, the case's outcome will likely influence how creators approach the use of traditional and lesser-known music in their work.
As the legal battle continues, the world watches closely to see if "Million Years Ago" will be permanently silenced, potentially altering Adele’s musical legacy.
Refrence From: www.thehindu.com