When I Was Your Man: The Legal Battle Between Miley Cyrus and Bruno Mars

Legal Claims Over Similarities in Music

Miley Cyrus is being sued for copyright infringement over her 2023 hit Flowers. The 31-year-old pop star has been accused of lifting the melody, harmony, and chorus of Bruno Mars' 2012 hit, When I Was Your Man by Tempo Music Investments, who claim to have a share in the latter tune, TMZ reports.

Allegations and Reactions

The lyrics are a paraphrase of Mars' song, yet the claim states it was not necessary for him to be listed as a co-writer on Flowers. "I can buy myself flowers," Cyrus' chorus goes. Mars sings on his track: "That I should've bought you flowers and held your hand ... Now my baby's dancin', but she's dancin' with another man."

Impact on Awards and Performances

Cyrus won multiple awards for Flowers, but Tempo Music Investments insists she would not have received accolades without When I Was Your Man. The company claims, "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." They are seeking compensation and an injunction against her performing the song. Notably, Mars, 38, is not part of the lawsuit. Flowers is featured on Cyrus's album Endless Summer Vacation and has sparked rumors about her ex-husband, 34-year-old actor Liam Hemsworth.