Miley Cyrus Sued for Allegedly Copying Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk" in Grammy-Winning Song "Flowers"

What Happened?

Songwriters Jordan K. Johnson, Steven Lamar, and Christopher Brody Brown, who penned Bruno Mars' hit "Uptown Funk," have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Miley Cyrus, Sony Music Entertainment, and others over her Grammy-winning song "Flowers." The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, alleges that "Flowers" is "strikingly similar" to "Uptown Funk" and features a "constellation of protectable elements" that were directly copied.

The lawsuit claims that Cyrus and her co-writers, including Gregory Aldae Hein, Michael Pollack, and Jasper Sheff, had access to "Uptown Funk" prior to writing "Flowers." They argue that the two songs share substantial similarities in their composition, including the melodic and harmonic structures, rhythmic patterns, and lyrical content.

Evidence of Copying

The lawsuit provides several examples of alleged copying. For instance, it points to the similarity between the chorus of "Flowers" and the chorus of "Uptown Funk." Both songs feature a repeated refrain that includes the phrases "I can buy myself flowers" and "Uptown funk gon' be alright."

Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges that "Flowers" uses a similar chord progression and rhythmic structure as "Uptown Funk." It also claims that the two songs share similar lyrical themes, such as female empowerment and self-reliance.

Damages Sought

The plaintiffs are seeking a range of damages, including profits from "Flowers," statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringing song, and attorney's fees. They also request that "Flowers" be removed from distribution and sale.

Impact on Cyrus and the Music Industry

The lawsuit has the potential to have a significant impact on Cyrus' career and the music industry as a whole. If the allegations are proven true, Cyrus could face financial penalties and damage to her reputation. It could also lead to increased scrutiny of copyright infringement in the music industry.

The case is currently pending in court, and no trial date has been set.