Cher Wins Lawsuit Against Mary Bono, Sonny Bono's Widow, Who Sued To Stop Her 50% Royalties
After a lengthy legal battle, Cher emerged victorious over her former husband Sonny Bono's widow, Mary Bono.
A federal judge in the Central District of California handed down a verdict on Wednesday siding with Cher in the ongoing dispute. The ruling affirmed Cher's right to receive royalties from the songs she and Sonny recorded together during their marriage, affirming a preliminary decision made by the judge back in February.
Following their divorce settlement in 1978, Cher, real name Cherilyn Sarkisian, secured a permanent 50 percent interest in the duo's music catalog. After Sonny's death in 1998, an agreement was forged between Cher and his family regarding the rights. However, Mary contended that she was no longer obligated to pay royalties.
Initially invoking the Copyright Act's "termination rights" in 2016, Mary, 62, sought to reclaim publishing rights after 35 years, sparking the legal showdown. Five years later, Cher filed a lawsuit asserting her entitlement to the 50 percent share she obtained in the settlement. Mary countered, arguing that the federal provision could not be waived.
Judge John A. Kronstadt affirmed that Cher, 78, possessed a "contractual right to receive financial compensation" as stipulated in her divorce settlement. He emphasized that her right to royalties stands apart from a grant of copyright, clarifying the distinction between the two, as reported by Billboard.
During the 1960s, Sonny & Cher soared to fame and remained a prominent musical duo until their separation. Prior to parting ways, they garnered two Grammy Award nominations and sold more than 40 million records globally. Following their split, Cher embarked on a successful solo career, earning the revered title of the "Goddess of Pop," while Sonny transitioned into politics. The Republican served as Palm Springs, California, 16th mayor in 1995.
Sonny and Mary exchanged vows in 1986 and remained married until his death in a skiing accident in 1998. Despite their divorce, Cher delivered a heartfelt eulogy at her ex-husband's funeral.
The "Moonstruck" actress was previously married to Gregg Allman from 1975 to 1979. From her union with Sonny, she shares one child, Chaz Bono, and with Gregg Allman, she welcomed Elijah Blue Allman, the son of the Allman Brothers Band singer.
