Miley Cyrus Sued for Allegedly Copying Bruno Mars in her Hit Song “Flowers”

Miley Cyrus is facing a lawsuit over claims that her hit song “Flowers” borrowed elements from Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” The lawsuit, filed by Tempo Music Investments in a Los Angeles court, alleges that “Flowers” features melodic, harmonic, and lyrical similarities to Mars’ 2013 track.

According to Tempo Music, which owns a share of the copyright to “When I Was Your Man” through their acquisition of co-writer Philip Lawrence’s catalog, Cyrus’ song mirrors aspects of Mars’ work, including specific chord progressions, bass lines, and certain lines in the chorus.

Released on her ex-husband Liam Hemsworth’s birthday last year, “Flowers” contains lyrics that echo those of Mars’ song. In “When I Was Your Man,” Mars sings, “I should’ve bought you flowers and held your hand… Now my baby’s dancin’, but she’s dancin’ with another man.” In contrast, Cyrus’ song declares, “I can buy myself flowers… I can take myself dancing and I can hold my own hand.”

“Flowers” has been a major success for Cyrus, marking her return to the spotlight and earning her two Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. Tempo Music’s lawsuit points out these achievements, drawing a parallel to Mars’ own Grammy recognition for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

The legal battle could cast a shadow over Cyrus’ recent resurgence, however, the case is still unfolding.