Brazilian Court Orders Adele’s Song Pulled Globally Over Plagiarism Claim

A Brazilian judge has ordered Adele’s song Million Years Ago to be removed from all platforms worldwide over a plagiarism claim by Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes. The ruling, issued by Judge Victor Torres in Rio de Janeiro’s sixth commercial court, includes a fine of $8,000 for Sony and Universal for every instance of non-compliance. Both companies can still appeal the decision.

The injunction requires the immediate halt of all use, reproduction, and distribution of the track, including on digital platforms. Geraes alleges that Adele’s 2015 song plagiarized his samba classic Mulheres (Women), recorded by Martinho da Vila in 1995. Geraes is seeking royalties, $160,000 in damages, and songwriting credit.

Fredimio Trotta, Geraes’ lawyer, called the decision a significant step for Brazilian music, often appropriated in global hits. Trotta plans to alert broadcasters and streaming services about the ruling, which he believes will deter future cases of alleged plagiarism by international artists.

This is not the first plagiarism claim against Million Years Ago. In 2015, Turkish fans noted similarities with Acilara Tutunmak by Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya. Kaya’s widow dismissed the idea of deliberate copying by Adele.

Sony and Universal Music Brazil have not commented on the matter. The case highlights Brazil’s adherence to the Berne Convention, ensuring international copyright protection.