Pop star Miley Cyrus is facing a copyright lawsuit in California federal court for allegedly copying fellow megastar Bruno Mars’ hit song When I Was Your Man in her number-one single Flowers. The complaint was filed by music-rights owner Tempo Music Investments, claiming that Flowers replicates “numerous melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements” of Mars’ song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013. Spokespeople for Cyrus’ label Sony Music and Tempo did not respond to requests for comment, while Mars is not involved in the lawsuit, and his label, Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records, declined to comment.
Tempo Music Investments purchased its share of When I Was Your Man from the song’s co-writer Philip Lawrence in 2020. The lawsuit also accuses streaming-service owners like Apple and Amazon, as well as retailers such as Target and Walmart, of infringing Tempo’s copyright by distributing Cyrus’ song. Cyrus released Flowers on her 2023 album “Endless Summer Vacation,” which has garnered over 1 billion streams on Spotify and won the Grammy award for Song of the Year in 2024. The complaint states that Flowers has “striking similarities” to Mars’ song, including melodies, bass lines, chord progressions, and lyrical elements, as noted in a 2023 Billboard article that compared the two songs.
Tempo Music Investments is seeking an unspecified amount of monetary damages and an order blocking the alleged infringement. The lawsuit highlights the ongoing issue of copyright infringement in the music industry, where artists and rights holders are increasingly vigilant about protecting their work. It raises questions about the boundaries of inspiration and imitation in music, especially when it comes to creating original content and avoiding legal disputes. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future copyright disputes in the music industry and shed light on the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, it brings attention to the complexities of copyright law and the challenges faced by musicians in a digital age where music can be easily accessed and shared online. The role of technology and streaming platforms in distributing music raises concerns about intellectual property rights and the need for proper licensing agreements to protect artists and songwriters. The lawsuit also serves as a reminder for artists to be mindful of copyright laws and to ensure that their work is original and does not infringe on the rights of others.
In conclusion, the copyright lawsuit against Miley Cyrus for allegedly copying Bruno Mars’ hit song highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. The case raises important questions about the boundaries of creativity and imitation, as well as the legal implications of copyright infringement. As the legal proceedings continue, it will be interesting to see how the court rules on this matter and what impact it may have on future music copyright disputes. It serves as a reminder for artists and rights holders to be vigilant in protecting their work and respecting the intellectual property rights of others.
