While Bruno Mars is not involved in the lawsuit, Tempo Music Investments claims striking similarities between Miley’s chart-topping hit “Flowers” and Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.”
Miley Cyrus’ 2023 smash hit “Flowers” not only dominated charts and earned her a Grammy but also sparked speculation about its inspiration. Many fans have long drawn comparisons between “Flowers” and Bruno Mars’ 2012 single “When I Was Your Man,” yet neither Miley nor Bruno have addressed the rumors publicly. However, the situation escalated in September 2024 when Miley was hit with a copyright lawsuit over the alleged similarities.
Is Bruno Mars Suing Miley Cyrus?
Though the lawsuit involves Bruno Mars’ song, the pop star himself is not part of the legal battle. Instead, Tempo Music Investments, which holds the copyright to Mars’ “When I Was Your Man,” has filed the lawsuit against Miley. According to court documents, Tempo Music Investments alleges that “Flowers” borrows heavily from Bruno’s hit, particularly in its melody, harmony, and lyrics. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles on September 16, 2024, also names multiple companies that distributed Miley’s track, including Sony Music Publishing, Apple, Target, and Walmart.
Why Is Miley Cyrus Being Sued Over ‘Flowers’?
The core of the lawsuit centers around alleged copyright infringement. Tempo Music Investments claims that the similarities between “Flowers” and “When I Was Your Man” are too significant to be coincidental. The legal documents state, “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.’” As a result, Tempo Music is seeking damages for the “unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and exploitation” of Bruno’s song.
‘Flowers’ vs. ‘When I Was Your Man’: The Comparisons
Since the release of “Flowers,” fans have pointed out that while the songs differ in tempo and overall sound, there are lyrical similarities between the two tracks. In the chorus of “Flowers,” Miley sings:
“I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand / Talk to myself for hours / See things you don’t understand / I can take myself dancing / And I can hold my own hand / Yeah, I can love me better than you can.”
Bruno Mars’ chorus in “When I Was Your Man” shares a similar sentiment but with a remorseful tone:
“That I should’ve bought you flowers / And held your hand / Should’ve gave you all my hours / When I had the chance / Take you to every party / ‘Cause all you wanted to do was dance / Now my baby’s dancing / But she’s dancing with another man.”
While both songs center around flowers and dancing, they offer opposing messages. Bruno’s ballad is filled with regret for not appreciating his former lover, while Miley’s anthem celebrates self-love and independence after a breakup.
What’s Next for Miley?
The lawsuit adds an unexpected legal hurdle for Miley, who has yet to comment publicly on the matter. As the case moves forward, it could potentially lead to settlements or further litigation. Regardless of the outcome, the situation highlights the complex and often subjective nature of copyright in the music industry, where inspiration and infringement sometimes blur.
Miley’s fans, however, remain loyal, praising “Flowers” for its empowering message, regardless of the legal battles that now surround it.
