Pop star Miley Cyrus is facing a lawsuit accusing her of copying elements from Bruno Mars’ hit song “When I Was Your Man” for her Grammy-winning single “Flowers.” The suit, filed by Tempo Music Investments, claims Cyrus intentionally lifted key aspects of Mars’ song without permission. However, Bruno Mars himself is not involved in the legal proceedings, and he is not listed as a plaintiff in the case.
Tempo Music Investments, which asserts ownership over a portion of Mars’ 2011 song’s copyright, has filed the complaint against Cyrus. The lawsuit claims that “Flowers” borrows heavily from the melody, harmony, and chorus of Mars’ track, and accuses Cyrus of using these similarities to achieve the success of her song.
Legal Claims Against ‘Flowers’
According to legal documents cited by TMZ, Tempo Music alleges that the similarities between “Flowers” and “When I Was Your Man” are undeniable. The lawsuit highlights specific elements, including chord progressions and lyrical themes, that it claims were intentionally copied. Tempo Music’s aim is to stop Cyrus from performing or distributing “Flowers,” seeking financial compensation for what it sees as a violation of copyright law.
The lawsuit further claims that without the alleged similarities to Mars’ song, Cyrus would not have won a Grammy for “Flowers” earlier this year. Tempo Music argues that the success of the track is directly tied to its resemblance to Mars’ work, and they are demanding that the songstress cease all activities related to the track.
Fans Point Out Thematic Links Between the Songs
Speculation about the connection between the two songs began shortly after “Flowers” was released in 2023. Many fans and media outlets noted thematic similarities between Cyrus’ breakup anthem and Mars’ track, which expresses regret after a relationship.
Some even suggested that Cyrus may have intentionally referenced “When I Was Your Man” in her song, especially given rumors that her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth had once dedicated Mars’ song to her.
While Mars’ song speaks to lost love and regret, Cyrus’ “Flowers” is seen as an empowering anthem of self-love and independence. However, with the lawsuit now in motion, questions surrounding the creative origins of “Flowers” have taken a more serious turn.
