Cher claims that Sonny Bono stripped her of her Royalties
Cher’s memoir, released this month, details her extraordinary life, including her early music career after meeting Sonny Bono in 1961. The duo, famous for their music and TV shows in the ’60s and ’70s, appeared to have a fairytale love story. However, in her autobiography, Cher reveals that Sonny was a fraud who took control of her royalties.
Cher recalls, “He took all my money. I thought, ‘We’re married, half of everything is his and half is mine,’” she told The New York Times. Sonny, who was 11 years older, created Cher Enterprises, owning 95% while giving 5% to his lawyer, leaving Cher only able to work for the company. After divorcing in 1975, Cher fought for custody and financial rights, and an agreement was finalized in 1978.
In 2022, things escalated when Sonny’s widow, Mary, sought to stop paying royalties to Cher, citing the “right of termination” law. However, Cher successfully countered, and in May 2023, a judge ruled that Mary must pay Cher her 50% share, in line with the 1978 divorce agreement. Mary Bono continues to contest the ruling, and the case remains in court.
