A SONG by Adele was ordered to be BANNED across the world over a plagiarism row between the Brit and a Brazilian composer.
A judge has ordered the 2015 hit “Million Years Ago” to be pulled worldwide including on streaming services.
A composer claims the song plagiarises the song Mulheres (Women), recorded by Brazilian singer Martinho da Vila in 1995.
The plagiarism claim which was brought in 2021 is ongoing, but the injunction calls for the song to be pulled while it continues.
The injunction threatens the Brazilian subsidiaries of Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music, Adele’s labels, with a fine of $8,000 (£6,300) “per act of non-compliance.”
His preliminary injunction orders Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music to stop “immediately and globally, from using, reproducing, editing, distributing or commercializing the song “Million Years Ago”, by any modality, means, physical or digital support, streaming or sharing platform.”
Lawyer for Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, Fredimio Trotta said: “It is a landmark for Brazilian music, which… has often been copied to compose successful international hits.”
“International producers and artists who have Brazilian music ‘on their radar’ for possible parasitic use will think twice, given this decision.”
Geraes is suing for lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, plus songwriting credit on Adele’s track.
He said his firm would work this week to ensure radio and television broadcasters and streaming services were alerted to the ruling.
Sony Music Entertainment Brazil said it did “not have a statement at this time” and Universal Music Brazil did not respond to a request for comment.
Adele was also accused by Turkish music fans of plagiarism in “Million years Ago” back in 2015.
They claimed its tune was similar to one in a 1985 song by a Kurdish singer, Ahmet Kaya, called “Acilara Tutunmak” (“Clinging to Pain”).
Famous song rows
The superstar was seen weeping on stage last month as she said farewell to her fans ahead of a break from music after her two-year show ended.
She welled up several times during her final two-hour show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Saturday and admitted: “I’m f****** crying again.
“For f***’s sake. I have been crying all day.”
“I’m not doing anything else. I’m actually sing myself about what I’m going to do.
“I don’t have any f***ing plans. I guess I’ll just day-drink.
“I just dunno when I want to next come on stage. And it’s time to move on.
“It’s time for the next chapter and it’s time for the next season of my life.”
