A judge in Brazil on Friday ordered that an Adele song be removed from radio and streaming services worldwide, as well as other platforms, amid a plagiarism claim by composer Toninho Geraes.
Back in 2021, Geraes reportedly accused the singer of plagiarizing his composition “Mulheres” for Adele’s “Million Years Ago” from 2015.
Geraes is said to be suing for lost royalties from the song, as well as a songwriting credit on Adele’s track and $160,000 in moral damages.
Brazilian judge Victor Torres ordered 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,” AFP reported.
Brazilian subsidiaries of those companies face a fine of $8,000 for each act of noncompliance.
Fredimio Trotta, Geraes’ attorney, told Sky News that the injunction came after his team requested “tougher measures” as the case continued.
“The decision interrupts this harmful, criminal act, and now time is running out against those being prosecuted,” Trotta said. “Because interrupted plagiarism is plagiarism that doesn’t make a profit.”
HuffPost reached out to Adele’s reps for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.