Major Controversies Surrounding Bruno Mars: A Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 7, 2026

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Bruno Mars.

Bruno Mars (Peter Gene Hernandez) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and dancer recognized as a pop icon. Known for his three-octave tenor range, energetic live performances, retro showmanship, and musical versatility, Mars performs with his band, the Hooligans. He gained early recognition in Hawaii for his Elvis Presley impersonations before relocating to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue a music career.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1979: Copyright Infringement Allegations for "Uptown Funk"

In 1979, The Gap Band released "Oops Up Side Your Head". In later years, similarities to "Uptown Funk" (released much later) led them to be added as co-writers of the latter and receive publishing royalties. Also, the Sequence claimed that "Uptown Funk" infringed their 1979 single "Funk You Up" and sued a year later.

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1980: Release of "More Bounce to the Ounce"

In 1980, Zapp released "More Bounce to the Ounce". In 2017, Lastrada Entertainment filed a lawsuit due to similarities with "Uptown Funk" (released much later).

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1983: Release of "Young Girls"

In 1983, electro-funk band Collage released the single "Young Girls", which was later at the center of a copyright lawsuit in 2016 where they sued Ronson and Mars for allegedly copying it in "Uptown Funk".

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2000: Copyright Registration

As evidence, Demetrius Proctor submitted a United States Copyright Office registration certificate issued in 2000 for "Frisky Vol. 1 to 30 (Tapes)".

September 19, 2010: Arrest for Cocaine Possession

On September 19, 2010, Bruno Mars was arrested on the Las Vegas Strip at the Hard Rock Casino for possession of cocaine.

March 31, 2011: Copyright Claim

Demetrius Proctor alleged that he owned the copyright to the song's music and lyrics since March 31, 2011, although the song was released a year before.

January 28, 2014: Lawsuit Filed

On January 28, 2014, Demetrius Proctor filed a lawsuit claiming copyright infringement for "Billionaire".

2014: Bruno Mars Act Introduction

Due to ticket reselling after Bruno Mars's 2014 Super Bowl performance, Hawaii Senate president Donna Mercado Kim introduced Senate Resolution 12 (also known as the Bruno Mars Act) to limit ticket purchases.

2015: Similarities to "Oops Up Side Your Head"

In 2015, similarities between "Uptown Funk" and "Oops Up Side Your Head" (1979) by the Gap Band led to the latter's writers being added as co-writers of "Uptown Funk" and receiving publishing royalties. Serbian singer Viktorija also claimed "Uptown Funk" infringed on one of her tracks that year but chose not to sue.

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2016: Collage Lawsuit

In 2016, electro-funk band Collage sued Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars for allegedly copying their 1983 single, "Young Girls".

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2017: Lastrada Entertainment Lawsuit

In 2017, Lastrada Entertainment filed a lawsuit against Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, alleging similarities between "Uptown Funk" and "More Bounce to the Ounce" (1980) by Zapp. They sought damages and a jury trial to prevent Ronson from profiting from "Uptown Funk".

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2018: Cultural Appropriation Accusations

In 2018, Bruno Mars was accused of cultural appropriation on social media for using his racial ambiguity to profit from black music and was criticized for mimicking the sound of past artists.

2021: Response to Criticism

During a 2021 interview on The Breakfast Club, Bruno Mars responded to criticism of cultural appropriation by highlighting his influences from Black artists.

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March 2024: Gambling Debt Allegations

In March 2024, reports surfaced alleging Bruno Mars was $50 million in debt due to gambling losses. MGM Resorts denied these claims on March 18, stating he "has no debt with MGM." Mars has since poked fun at the rumor.