Brazil Court Orders Removal of Adele Song Over Plagiarism Claim

Published 4 years ago, the song has over 22 million views.

Marrakech – A Brazilian court has ordered the global removal of Adele’s 2015 song “Million Years Ago” from streaming services over a plagiarism claim.

Judge Victor Torres instructed the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony and Universal to immediately halt all distribution, reproduction, and commercial use of the track.

The case was brought to court by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, who claims that Adele’s song plagiarized his 1995 samba track “Mulheres (Women).”

Geraes is suing for lost royalties, seeking $160,000 in moral damages, and demanding a songwriting credit on “Million Years Ago.”

The injunction also imposes an $8,000 fine for each instance of non-compliance, although Sony and Universal can appeal the decision.

Fredimio Trotta, the lawyer representing Toninho Geraes, described Judge Torres’ ruling as a “landmark” decision for Brazilian music.

He claimed that Brazilian music has frequently been “copied” to create popular hits abroad.

Trotta added that his firm would take steps to notify streaming services, radio stations, and television broadcasters about the court’s ruling.

“Million Years Ago” is a song by English singer-songwriter Adele, featured on her third studio album, “25,” and released in 2015.

Written by Adele and Greg Kurstin, the song was produced by Kurstin.

Lyrically, it reflects on how fame has impacted both the singer and those around her.

In a 2015 BBC interview about her career, Adele explained that the song tells a story inspired by her memories of driving past Brockwell Park, a place in South London where she spent much of her youth.

Musically, the track is a stripped-back acoustic piece, with guitar as the sole accompaniment.