The investigation investigates documents presented by Universal Music in an action involving composer Toninho Geraes
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro has opened an investigation to investigate the suspicions of falsification of documents presented by Universal music editions in the process in which the Brazilian composer Toninho Geraes62 years old, accuses the British singer Adele36 years old, of plagiarism. The investigation was confirmed after the initial publication of CBN and seeks to clarify the authenticity of Adele’s signature and other documents.
Toninho’s lawyers highlighted irregularities in the prosecutor’s office presented by Universal Music’s defense and the other defendants, including Adele and the producer Greg Kurstin. According to the complaint, the document contains “hand-inserted deletions and line spacing” and features a mix of languages, with the date recorded as “Sao Paulo, December 19, 2024.”
Furthermore, Toninho’s defense highlighted that there is no trace of the presence of Adele, Greg or representatives of the Brazilian record company to sign the document on the indicated date. According to the lawyer Fredimio Biasotto Trottathe signatures on the document differ from the singer’s handwriting patterns.
Procedural incident and investigation
Toninho’s lawyers presented a procedural incident to ascertain the authenticity of the documents, specifying that the falsity or adulteration of the powers of attorney could invalidate the documents carried out to date in the name of Adele and the other defendants.
Police investigations aim to investigate possible crimes such as document and ideological falsification, use of false documents and procedural fraud. “If forgery or adulteration is confirmed, the defendants are not qualified in the trial, which may lead to the annulment of future acts”Trotta said.
Withdrawal of the song and request for compensation
The plagiarism case concerns the song “Women”by Toninho Geraes, and music “Millions of Years Ago”by Adele. The composer accuses the singer, the producer Greg Kurstin, the record label XL Recordings and the distributor Universal Music of infringement of copyright, demanding compensation of R$ 1 million.
In December 2024, the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro ordered the withdrawal of the Millions of years ago of digital platforms and provided for a fine of R$50,000 for non-compliance. Universal Music has not yet responded to requests for clarification.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
