Miley Cyrus Denies Plagiarism Allegations Over Grammy-Winning Hit ‘Flowers.’

Miley Cyrus has firmly denied accusations that her Grammy-winning hit, “Flowers,” plagiarized Bruno Mars’ 2012 ballad “When I Was Your Man.” The singer, known for her genre-defying music and fearless persona, has responded to the copyright infringement claims filed by Tempo Music Investments in September 2023.

Legal Battle Over ‘Flowers’ and Copyright Claims

According to court documents obtained by People on Wednesday, Cyrus’ legal team has refuted the allegations, arguing that Tempo Music Investments only holds a partial interest in Mars’ song through co-writer Philip Lawrence.

Cyrus’ lawyers assert that only exclusive copyright owners can file infringement lawsuits. They pointed out that other co-writers of “When I Was Your Man,” including Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt, are not affiliated with Tempo Music.

The legal team further stated, “An assignee of one co-author does not have exclusive rights and, therefore, lacks standing to file an infringement claim.”

Cyrus has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit.

The Allegations Against ‘Flowers’

The lawsuit, filed in September, claimed that “Flowers” shares “numerous musical similarities” with Mars’ songs, including elements like harmony, melody, and chord progressions.

Tempo Music Investments also alleged that Miley Cyrus, 32, deliberately took inspiration not only from “When I Was Your Man” but also from Bruno Mars’ hit “Talking to the Moon.” However, Bruno Mars, 39, is not listed as a plaintiff in the case.

Cyrus’ Grammy Triumph with ‘Flowers’

Despite the legal drama, “Flowers” earned Cyrus significant acclaim. At the 2024 Grammy Awards, the song won Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

In her acceptance speech, Cyrus shared a heartfelt message with the audience:
“This award is incredible, but I hope it doesn’t change anything. My life was already beautiful yesterday. Not everyone in the world wins a Grammy, but everyone in this world is amazing. Don’t think this defines anything.”

Released on January 12, 2023, just hours before her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth’s 33rd birthday, “Flowers” is widely believed to be a reflection on their failed marriage. The couple was married from 2018 to 2020.

In the track, Cyrus sings:
“We were good; we were gold.” A dream that can’t be sold / We were right ‘til we weren’t. We Built a home and watched it burn.”
This lyric is thought to reference the couple’s Malibu estate, which was destroyed in the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire.

Miley Cyrus Stands Her Ground

With “Flowers,” Miley Cyrus delivered a deeply personal anthem of resilience and independence. While the copyright allegations add a layer of complexity to the song’s legacy, Cyrus’ team is determined to protect her creative work.

As the legal battle unfolds, Miley Cyrus remains focused on celebrating her achievements and continuing to inspire fans worldwide with her music and unapologetic artistry.