In an unprecedented move, a Brazilian judge has ordered pop icon Adele’s 2015 hit “Million Years Ago” to be pulled from global distribution, including streaming platforms, amid a high-stakes plagiarism lawsuit filed by prolific samba composer Toninho Geraes. The 62-year-old songwriter alleges Adele’s melancholic ballad copied the melody of his 1995 composition “Mulheres,” recorded by Brazilian star Martinho da Vila.
The Samba Showdown
Geraes, a respected figure in Brazilian music, says he first learned of the similarities between the two songs in 2020 when alerted by a friend. “It’s blatant plagiarism,” he stated, emphasizing that he tried to reach an out-of-court settlement with Adele’s team before resorting to legal action.
I had no intention of making this story public, partly to protect Adele. I don’t want a fight, but we tried to reach an out-of-court settlement, and they never even responded.
– Toninho Geraes, Brazilian samba composer
The Dueling Expert Reports
To prove the alleged plagiarism, Geraes’ lawyers commissioned a recording of the two songs played in the same key and tempo. The judge found it revealed a “strong indication of almost complete melodic consonance.” However, Adele’s defense argues this evidence was “manipulated” to force similarities and contains “discrepancies” from the original samba recording.
Both sides have now submitted dueling expert reports to demonstrate their case, with the defense claiming the songs merely share a common chord progression. Geraes’ legal team calls this “an aberration,” asserting truly coincidental similarity would produce “dozens” of soundalike songs.
Adele’s Absence and Uncertain Fate
Adding intrigue to the case, Adele and her co-writer Greg Kurstin failed to appear for a virtual conciliation hearing on December 19th. With no settlement reached, Geraes is pursuing significant damages – around £130,000, legal royalties, and official credit as a songwriter on “Million Years Ago.”
Despite the judge’s order to pull the track, it remains available on major streaming platforms over 10 days later. Adele’s team has not commented publicly, leaving observers uncertain when or if the song will actually be taken down and whether the ruling could be overturned on appeal.
The Ghosts of Plagiarism Past
This is not the first time “Million Years Ago” has faced plagiarism allegations. In 2015, Turkish music fans noted its resemblance to Ahmet Kaya’s 1985 song “Acilara Tutunmak.” Kaya’s widow stated at the time she did not believe an international star like Adele would consciously steal the song.
Adele has not personally responded to either claim. Music copyright cases often involve subjective determinations of “substantial similarity” and the defense that certain melodies are too common to protect. Recent high-profile suits include Led Zeppelin’s victorious defense of “Stairway to Heaven” and Katy Perry’s overturned “Dark Horse” verdict.
An Unprecedented Injunction
While plagiarism suits are common in the music industry, the ruling to pull Adele’s song from worldwide distribution before a full trial is unheard of. Some experts warn it sets a dangerous precedent that could jeopardize artistic expression and the music business itself.
One thing is for two works to be similar; another is plagiarism… Imagine if this sets a precedent and dozens of songs start getting taken down just because they’re similar.
– Daniel Campello, music copyright lawyer
For now, the eyes and ears of the music world are anxiously fixed on Brazil to see if Adele’s soulful hit will be silenced – and whether songwriters everywhere will have to think twice about “familiar” melodies. As Geraes sees it, the injunction alone is a victory for the country’s artistic community.
It shows that our works are not at the mercy of anyone who wants to come and mess with us. We are a serious country.
– Toninho Geraes
Only time – and the courts – will tell if he gets the last word in this battle of musical titans. For Adele, resolving the case may prove tougher than rolling in the deep as the fickle finger of copyright law hovers over her piano keys.
