Miley Cyrus may be able to "buy herself flowers," but it appears like she will be needing a lawyer for herself instead.
As a result of charges that her Grammy-winning song "Flowers" sounds strikingly similar to Bruno Mars's song "When I Was Your Man" from 2012, the singer, who is 31 years old, has found herself in a difficult legal situation. She is facing a lawsuit for copyright infringement.
According to TMZ, Tempo Music Investments, the company that asserts ownership of Bruno's song, has identified "many musical similarities" between the two songs. These similarities include the chorus, harmony, melody, chord progressions, and lyrics of both songs.
They assert that the similarities were duplicated "intentionally" rather than accidentally. "It is undeniable based on the combination and number of similarities between the two recordings that ‘Flowers’ would not exist without ‘When I Was Your Man,’” they alleged in the lawsuit.
The fact that Bruno is not named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit is noteworthy. Despite the fact that the investment firm is claiming damages from Miley, it is not apparent whether or not it has specified a specific amount as of yet.
A more severe action is being taken by Tempo Music Investments, which is seeking that she and her label be prohibited from providing distribution of the song "Flowers."
Because of this, it is possible that Miley Cyrus will be required to delete it from the digital and future physical versions of her album "Endless Summer Vacation," which is scheduled to be released in 2023. Additionally, the company is seeking that the singer be prohibited from ever again performing the popular song.
The song "Flowers" not only made its debut at the top of the charts, but it also garnered Miley a Grammy Award for the extremely first time. At the famous event that took place this year, the song prevailed, earning a record of the year as well as best pop solo performance. It outperformed contenders such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
In the speech that she gave to accept the award for Record of the Year, Miley Cyrus expressed her gratitude. "This award is amazing, but I really hope that it doesn't change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” the Disney alum said.
"Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don't think that this is important," Miley added at the time.
The song "Flowers" was also considered for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year, however, it did not end up winning the award.
Fans and critics alike were quick to react to Miley's latest legal battle. "Miley literally has been transparent that it is an interpolation. Interpolations are allowed and you have creative freedom in that. Tempo Music is just looking for a cash grab because why did they wait a year and a half to sue?" one netizen wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"Bruno himself understood there was no base for a lawsuit and even used Flowers in ads to promote his brand AND even billboard cleared the topic almost two years ago. Just money-hungry people," another X user penned.
"Her only HIT this decade being [taken] away," a third netizen said. "Bruno Mars congratulated her on the success of the song and sent her flowers...why is she being sued," another X user shared. "we blame nicki," a fifth source responded.
Business Times has reached out to Miley Cyrus for comments.
