Miley Cyrus Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Copyright Infringement of Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man”
Pop superstar Miley Cyrus is facing a legal battle over her chart-topping hit “Flowers” after Tempo Music, the rights holder of Bruno Mars’ 2013 ballad “When I Was Your Man,” filed a lawsuit alleging copyright infringement. The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, claims that Cyrus’ song bears substantial similarities to Mars’ track, including melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements that are “nearly identical” to the original composition.
The Allegations
The legal complaint asserts that “Flowers,” which became a viral sensation upon its release in January 2023, mirrors the chord progression and lyrical sentiment of “When I Was Your Man.” Tempo Music contends that the similarities go beyond coincidence, accusing Cyrus and her team of deliberately crafting “Flowers” to evoke the themes and structure of Mars’ beloved breakup ballad.
The controversy first gained traction on social media, with fans pointing out that “Flowers” functions almost as a response to “When I Was Your Man.” Mars’ song laments a love lost and expresses regret for not treating a partner better, whereas Cyrus’ track embodies empowerment, self-love, and moving on—essentially flipping the message of Mars’ song. Some critics argue that while the thematic connection is clear, the musical resemblance is more subtle, making the lawsuit a subject of intense debate in the industry.
Industry Reactions and Implications
The lawsuit has reignited discussions about the fine line between artistic inspiration and copyright infringement in the music industry. Over the years, numerous high-profile cases have blurred these boundaries, from Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s controversial loss to the Marvin Gaye estate over “Blurred Lines” to Ed Sheeran successfully defending his song “Thinking Out Loud” against allegations of copying Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”
Music copyright cases often hinge on whether a song is “substantially similar” to another and whether the alleged copying was intentional. Legal experts speculate that Cyrus’ defense may focus on the originality of “Flowers” and argue that thematic resemblance does not equate to copyright violation.
Miley’s Response
As of now, Miley Cyrus has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. However, sources close to the singer suggest she is prepared to fight the claims and defend her work. With “Flowers” breaking streaming records and earning multiple award nominations, the outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for both her career and the broader music industry.
Meanwhile, Bruno Mars himself has remained silent on the issue, leaving it to Tempo Music to pursue legal action. Some fans believe Mars’ involvement—or lack thereof—could influence public perception of the case.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit is expected to progress through the legal system in the coming months. If the case goes to trial, it could set a precedent for future copyright claims in an era where viral trends and musical influences are more intertwined than ever. Whether Miley Cyrus settles or fights the allegations in court, this legal battle is sure to spark further debate on originality and ownership in modern music.
Stay tuned to Exposed Vocals for more updates on this developing story.
