Miley Cyrus Addresses "Flowers" Copyright Lawsuit, Denies Allegations

Miley Cyrus addressed allegations that she copied Bruno Mars’ 2012 track “When I Was Your Man” when creating her 2023 hit “Flowers.” 

According to court documents, lawyers for the pop star denied the copyright infringement claims brought forth by Tempo Music Investments in September.

Cyrus’ legal team requested the lawsuit be dismissed and argued that Tempo Music Investments only owned a portion of Mars’ ballad through the song’s co-writer Philip Lawrence because they held his catalog.

The song’s other co-writers Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt, however, aren’t affiliated with the group and the Disney alum’s attorney argued that “Only owners of exclusive rights may sue for copyright infringement.”

Mars' lawyer added, “An assignee of only one co-author lacks exclusive rights and, therefore, also lacks standing to sue for infringement.”

In September, a lawsuit alleged that the “Hannah Montana” alum’s Grammy-winning hit and Mars’ songs shared “many musical similarities,” including the harmony, chorus, melody, and chord progressions.

Tempo Music Investments said that Cyrus, 32, “intentionally” took inspiration from the “Talking to Moon” crooner’s track. Mars, 39, wasn’t listed as a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

“Flowers” earned Cryus Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 2024 Grammys in February.

“This award is amazing, but I really hope that it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” she said in her acceptance speech.

“Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think that this is important.”

Cyrus wrote the song about her failed marriage with ex-husband Liam Hemsworth, whom she was wed from 2018 to 2020. The “Wrecking Ball” singer released the song on January 12, 2023, hours before Hemsworth’s 33rd birthday.