A judge has denied Miley Cyrus’ request to dismiss a copyright lawsuit alleging similarities between her 2023 hit Flowers and Bruno Mars’ 2013 song When I Was Your Man.

On March 18, the court ruled that Tempo Music Investments, which owns part of the copyright to Mars’ song, has the legal standing to sue after acquiring co-writer Philip Lawrence’s rights. The ruling clarified that exclusive rights are shared among co-owners rather than belonging to a single entity.

Tempo Music Investments claims Flowers “duplicates numerous melodic, harmonic, and lyrical elements” of Mars’ song, alleging “unauthorized reproduction, distribution, and exploitation.” The lawsuit, filed in September 2024, names Cyrus’ co-writers, Gregory Hein and Michael Pollack, along with Sony Music Publishing and Apple, but does not include Bruno Mars as a defendant.

Tempo’s attorney, Alex Weingarten, welcomed the decision, stating, “We are thrilled but not surprised by the ruling. We are confident in prevailing.” Cyrus’ representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

In November 2024, Cyrus denied the plagiarism claims and attempted to dismiss the case, arguing that because Tempo only partially owns the copyright, it lacks the authority to sue. However, the court rejected this argument, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

With the case moving forward, the legal battle over Flowers and its alleged similarities to When I Was Your Man continues.

Source: People