Miley Cyrus has denied accusations that her hit single Flowers copies Bruno Mars’ chart-topping ballad When I Was Your Man.
In a legal twist, the pop star has filed a motion to dismiss a copyright lawsuit brought by Tempo Music Investments. This is the company that owns part of the rights to Mars’ 2013 song.
MILEY CYRUS AND THE LAWSUIT
The controversy erupted in September when Tempo Music Investments sued Cyrus. They claimed her 2023 Grammy-winning anthem was strikingly similar to Mars’ track, according to People.
According to the lawsuit, Flowers duplicates “numerous melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements” from the original.
It also alleges the two songs share “the same chords” during key moments.
‘WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN’ AND ‘FLOWERS’
Tempo acquired its share of When I Was Your Man in 2020 by purchasing co-writer Philip Lawrence’s music catalogue.
They asserted that the similarities were “undeniable.”
However, Mars himself is not involved in the lawsuit, and Tempo has no claim over the rights owned by the song’s other co-writers.
Miley Cyrus, 32, fought back this week, with her lawyers filing a motion to dismiss the case, according to Geo News.
MILEY CYRUS AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT
They argued that Tempo lacks the legal standing to sue. “Only owners of exclusive rights may sue for copyright infringement,” the motion states.
“An assignee of only one co-author lacks exclusive rights and, therefore, also lacks standing to sue for infringement.”
The lawsuit also targets Flowers co-writers Gregory Hein and Michael Pollack, as well as Sony Music Publishing and Apple.
MILEY CYRUS’ HIT SONG
Tempo is demanding damages and wants the defendants to stop performing, reproducing, and distributing the song, according to E News.
Released in January 2023, Flowers became a global phenomenon.
It resonated with fans for its empowering lyrics, catchy melody, and the speculation it was inspired by Cyrus’ breakup with actor Liam Hemsworth.
The song’s lyrics — “I can buy myself flowers” — flipped Mars’ romantic ode into a bold declaration of independence.
FANS DEBATE ABOUT THE TWO SONGS
Fans quickly noticed similarities between the tracks, sparking debate online.
Some listeners called Flowers a creative twist on When I Was Your Man, while others claimed it was too close for comfort.
Miley Cyrus’ legal team stands firm, maintaining her innocence.
The Wrecking Ball singer’s representatives have not commented publicly, but the motion’s tone is confident.
MOVING TO DISMISS
By filing for dismissal, they’ve made it clear they believe the case lacks merit.
Copyright battles in the music industry are nothing new.
South African artists might recall the legal drama involving Marvin Gaye’s Got to Give It Up and Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines.
In that case, Gaye’s estate won millions in damages.
However, not all cases end with a payout. Many hinge on whether the similarities are enough to breach copyright law or if they’re simply a coincidence.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
The lawsuit remains in its early stages.
If the motion to dismiss succeeds, Cyrus will walk away unscathed.
If not, the case could head to court, where a judge or jury would decide whether Flowers crossed the line.
For now, South African fans of both artists will keep dancing to Flowers and When I Was Your Man.
MILEY CYRUS’ LEGAL WOES
Regardless of the legal outcome, the debate shines a spotlight on the fine line between inspiration and imitation in music.
As one fan put it, “Music is all about sharing emotions, but lawsuits like this make you wonder — where’s the boundary?”
DO YOU THINK FLOWERS COPIED WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN?
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