Adele’s 2015 hit “Million Years Ago” has been slapped with a plagiarism scandal so spicy it could rival a telenovela plot twist. A Brazilian judge has ruled that the soulful tune isn’t so much Adele’s as it is…borrowed. Yes, you heard that right. Borrowed without a library card.
The drama started when Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes, a 62-year-old veteran of samba, pointed a finger (presumably rhythmically) at Adele’s track, claiming it’s a copy-paste remix of his 1996 classic “Mulheres,” famously performed by Martinho da Vila. In musical terms? Adele allegedly samba-ed right into copyright infringement territory.
The Verdict: Judge Torres vs. Global Streaming Giants
Judge Victor Torres of Rio de Janeiro wasn’t about to let this slide. In a decision that likely made Sony and Universal’s lawyers choke on their cappuccinos, the judge issued a preliminary injunction demanding Adele’s song be yanked off streaming services and radio playlists faster than you can say “Oi, tudo bem?”
Oh, and just to keep things spicy, the court threw in a little cherry on top: an $8,000 fine for every act of non-compliance. That’s right—if Adele’s labels decide to play hardball, their wallets might end up feeling as empty as a karaoke bar on a Monday.
“This Is for Samba!” – Toninho’s Lawyer Speaks Out
Fredimio Trotta, the lawyer leading the charge for Toninho, called this ruling a victory not just for his client, but for Brazilian music as a whole. In a statement dripping with courtroom drama, he declared, “International producers who think Brazilian music is their creative buffet will think twice now.” Translation? If you’re gonna sample samba, bring your wallet and some respect.
Trotta went on to poetically proclaim, “Interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn’t make a profit.” Deep, right? He’s also helping Toninho sue for lost royalties, $160,000 in emotional damages (because heartbreak hurts, even in the music biz), and—wait for it—a songwriting credit on Adele’s song. Imagine: Toninho Geraes, co-writer of an Adele track. Sounds like an epic plot for a Netflix docuseries.
Samba vs. Soul: The Mash-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed
For those curious about this alleged melody heist, you can find mash-ups online that’ll let you compare “Mulheres” and “Million Years Ago.” And honestly? The samba vibes are undeniable. Did Adele’s team sneakily samba-fy a global hit? Or is this just another case of melodies accidentally crossing oceans?
While we wait for Adele’s team to respond (probably with British politeness but underlying sass), one thing’s for sure: Brazil just proved it can bring the heat—not just in music but in courtroom drama.
