Brazilian Judge Bans Adele’s Song “Million Years Ago” Worldwide

A groundbreaking legal decision has shaken the music industry as Adele’s famous song “Million Years Ago” faces a global ban. The ruling stems from allegations of plagiarism brought forth by a Brazilian composer.

The Reason Behind the Ban

On December 13, 2024, a judge from Rio de Janeiro’s 6th Commercial Court issued a preliminary ruling prohibiting the reproduction of Adele’s “Million Years Ago.”. . The lawsuit, filed by Brazilian composer Toninho Geares, claims that Adele copied the melody from the samba classic “Mulheres” (Women), recorded by renowned Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995.

Geares argues that his samba hit is a “milestone in Brazilian music,“ characterized by its rich melody, harmony, and rhythm, making it a likely inspiration for Adele’s song. The composer is seeking €158 million in damages for the alleged infringement.

Court Ruling and Penalties

The court ordered Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music’s Brazilian subsidiaries to cease all activities involving “Million Years Ago,“ including:

• Reproduction,

• Publishing,

• Distribution, and

• Sales worldwide.

The ban applies to all distribution channels, including streaming services and digital platforms, with a penalty of €7,800 per violation. However, the song remains available on Spotify, and the ruling allows the music companies to appeal.

Previous Controversies Around “Million Years Ago”

This isn’t the first time Adele’s “Million Years Ago” has faced scrutiny. In 2015, Turkish fans noticed similarities between the song and the 1985 track “Acilara Tutunmak” by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya.

Lyrically, “Million Years Ago” reflects Adele’s nostalgia and explores the emotional toll of fame on her life and relationships.

Adele’s Glorious Career

Adele, celebrated for her soulful voice and songwriting talent, has enjoyed an illustrious career filled with accolades:

• 16 Grammy Awards,

• 12 BRIT Awards,1 Oscar,

• 1 Primetime Emmy, and

• 1 Golden Globe.

Her albums “25” and “30” topped global charts, becoming the best-selling albums of 2015 and 2021, respectively.

Implications of the Ruling

This ruling could set a significant precedent for international copyright cases in the music industry. If the allegations are proven, it will be a severe blow to Adele’s career and a reminder of the complex legal landscape surrounding artistic creativity.

While Adele and her representatives have yet to comment on the matter, this legal battle underscores the growing importance of intellectual property rights in the global music scene. “Million Years Ago,“ a song that brought immense success to Adele, now finds itself at the heart of an international controversy.