Adele’s song ‘Million Years Ago’ will be pulled from streaming services following a plagiarism verdict handed down by a Brazilian judge.
Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes initiated the claim, citing that ‘Million Years Ago’ – from Adele’s phenomenally successful album ’25’ co-written with Greg Kurstin – treads on his 1995 hit ‘Mulheres (Woman)’.
The composer is suing for lost royalties, $160,000 in moral damages, plus songwriting credit on Adele’s track; reaching court this week, Brazilian judge Victor Torres ruled that the song should be pulled from streaming globally.
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Sony and Universal must cease “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” – or face a fine of $8,000 “per act of non-compliance”.
The labels have not issued a statement. There is room to appeal the ruling.
It’s not the first time ‘Millions Of Years Ago’ has faced accusations of plagiarism – on its 2015 release fans of Kurdish singer Ahmet Kaya noted a similarity to his song ‘Acilara Tutunmak’.
Adele has not commented on the case. She is currently planning time away from the spotlight, following her epic Las Vegas residency.
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