A Brazilian judge has directed that Adele’s song be removed from all radio and streaming platforms worldwide, citing plagiarism of another artist’s work.
A Brazilian court has mandated the removal of Adele’s song from all radio and streaming platforms worldwide, following a ruling that it plagiarized the work of another artist, reports from outlets such as *The Guardian* and *The Times* confirm.
Toninho Geraes, a 62-year-old singer-songwriter, alleged that Adele’s 2015 track *Million Years Ago* copied his 1996 song *Mulheres*, which was performed by Brazilian artist Martinho da Vila.
In response, a judge in Brazil issued an injunction demanding the immediate global removal of the song from all forms of media, including radio, television, and digital platforms.
Judge Victor Torres, who made the decision in Rio de Janeiro, ordered Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music to cease all activities related to the song, including reproduction, distribution, and commercialization across any format, whether physical or digital, as well as streaming services.
According to *Sky News*, the plagiarism lawsuit was initially filed in 2021. In addition to the court order, the Brazilian branches of Adele’s record labels have been threatened with a fine of $8,000 for each instance of non-compliance.
Geraes’ lawyer, Fredimio Trotta, told *The Times* that the ruling represents a significant moment for Brazilian music, which has long been imitated in the creation of successful international tracks.
He added, «This decision will make international artists and producers think twice before exploiting Brazilian music for their own gain.»
Trotta further explained to *Sky News*, «This ruling halts a harmful, criminal practice, and now those being prosecuted are running out of time. Once plagiarism is interrupted, it no longer generates profit.»
Geraes is reportedly seeking $160,000 in damages, as well as a songwriting credit on Adele’s track, in addition to royalties he claims were lost.
*The Guardian* also noted that Adele’s song has previously faced allegations of plagiarism in Turkey, where fans accused *Million Years Ago* of copying the 1985 song «Acilara Tutunmak» by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya.
