Miley Cyrus Denies Plagiarism Claims Against Bruno Mars' Song and Moves to Dismiss Copyright Lawsuit Over "Flowers"
Miley Cyrus has strongly denied plagiarism allegations and is taking legal action to have the copyright lawsuit regarding her hit song "Flowers" dismissed. The 32-year-old singer's legal team filed documents refuting claims brought by Tempo Music Investments, which holds a partial copyright of Bruno Mars' 2013 song "When I Was Your Man." The lawsuit claims "Flowers" bears striking similarities to Mars' track, arguing that Cyrus' song borrows from it in several ways.
The allegations against Miley Cyrus regarding plagiarism of Bruno Mars' song "When I Was Your Man" began after the release of her hit single "Flowers" in January 2023. Tempo Music Investments, a company that owns a partial copyright of "When I Was Your Man", filed a lawsuit in September 2023. The company argued that "Flowers" closely resembled "When I Was Your Man" in terms of melody, harmony, and lyrics, claiming that Cyrus' song copied multiple elements from Mars' hit, particularly the opening vocal line and the chords in the chorus.
Tempo Music Investments had acquired the rights to part of the copyright of Mars' song from one of its co-writers, Philip Lawrence, but did not hold exclusive rights to the song, as other co-writers (Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt) were not part of the company’s acquisition. In their lawsuit, the company claimed that "Flowers" would not have existed without "When I Was Your Man" and that the similarities were so apparent that they warranted legal action.
However, Cyrus' attorneys argue that the lawsuit should be dismissed. They contend that only those holding exclusive rights to a song can bring a copyright infringement claim. Since Tempo Music Investments only holds a partial copyright and is not connected to the other co-writers of "When I Was Your Man," they claim that the company lacks the legal standing to sue.
While the lawsuit names Cyrus' collaborators Gregory Hein and Michael Pollack, as well as Sony Music Publishing and Apple, it notably does not include Bruno Mars as a plaintiff. Tempo Music Investments is seeking to halt the reproduction, distribution, and public performance of "Flowers" and is also pursuing damages, though the amount has not been specified.
Cyrus, who co-wrote "Flowers" with Hein and Pollack, has maintained that her song is an original work, with no intent to copy Mars' hit. As the legal battle continues, her team is determined to have the case dismissed, ensuring that "Flowers" can continue its success without further legal challenges.
Miley Cyrus' song "Flowers" has been one of the most successful hits of her career, achieving major commercial and critical success since its release in January 2023. Upon debuting, "Flowers" went straight to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for an impressive 10 consecutive weeks, making it one of the longest-running number-one hits by a female artist in recent history.
The song topped the charts in numerous countries around the world, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and various European nations. It also broke multiple streaming records, particularly on Spotify, where it became the most-streamed song in a single day by a female artist at the time.
Critics and fans alike praised "Flowers" for its catchy melody and empowering lyrics. The song was celebrated as an anthem of self-love and independence, resonating deeply with listeners due to its themes of healing after a breakup. Miley’s emotional and reflective lyrics contributed to its widespread appeal, and the song quickly became a favorite among fans worldwide.
In terms of recognition, "Flowers" earned multiple award nominations, including at the American Music Awards and the Billboard Music Awards. At the iHeartRadio Music Awards, Miley Cyrus won the Best Lyrics award for the song, highlighting its emotional depth and connection with listeners. The track became a symbol of empowerment, especially for women, as the lyrics spoke to overcoming adversity and moving on from the past.
In addition to its chart success, "Flowers" achieved massive streaming numbers across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, becoming one of the most-streamed songs of 2023. Its widespread popularity ensured that it remained a fixture on the charts for an extended period, proving the song’s staying power in an industry often driven by rapid turnover.
Flowers not only marked a significant milestone in Miley Cyrus’ career but also solidified her position as a leading figure in pop music once again. The song’s success across various metrics—chart performance, streaming records, and cultural impact—has made it one of her most successful and beloved tracks to date.
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