Pop music icon Cher has been ordered to pay more than $1 million in legal fees stemming from her dispute over royalties with Mary Bono, the widow of her former musical partner, Sonny Bono. The ruling comes after Cher successfully pursued a claim for unpaid royalties, but the court ultimately decided against awarding her the substantial attorney’s fees she sought.
Background of the Sonny & Cher Partnership and Royalties
Sonny and Cher, the renowned duo that achieved international fame in the 1970s, had an agreement following their 1978 divorce to split royalties from their collaborative music equally. This settlement established Cher’s right to 50 percent of the income generated by their shared catalog.
Following Sonny Bono’s death in a skiing accident in 1998, Mary Bono became the administrator of his estate. She and Sonny’s four children, collectively referred to as ‘the heirs,’ subsequently formed a partnership to manage the music catalog.
The Legal Battle Over Royalties
In October 2021, Cher initiated legal proceedings, alleging that Mary Bono and the other heirs were withholding her rightful share of the music royalties. Court documents indicated that Cher believed the withheld proceeds exceeded $1 million.
Cher’s lawsuit contended that the heirs had invoked the Copyright Act’s ‘termination rights.’ This provision allows songwriters or their heirs to reclaim U.S. publishing rights after 35 years. Cher claimed this action was taken without her knowledge or consent, effectively altering the original royalty-sharing agreement established after her divorce from Sonny.
According to Cher’s filing, Wixen Music Publishing, a company responsible for managing and disbursing royalties, had been paying her share since 2011. However, she alleged that Mary and the heirs used the termination rights to cease these payments.
Court Rulings and Financial Outcomes
In May 2024, a federal judge ruled in Cher’s favor regarding the royalty payments. The decision mandated that she be paid over $418,000 in royalties that had been held. This amount represented a portion of the funds managed by Wixen Music Publishing, which had also distributed $187,000 to Sonny’s heirs, with Mary Bono receiving $93,500 of that sum.
The legal dispute, however, extended beyond the initial royalty claim. In January 2026, Cher filed a motion seeking to recover her attorney’s fees, demanding a total of $1,023,605.30 from Mary Bono.
On July 17, US District Judge John A. Kronstadt denied Cher’s request for attorney’s fees. The judge’s decision means Cher is responsible for covering her own legal costs incurred during the protracted legal battle.
Sonny and Cher’s Musical Legacy
Sonny and Cher first married in 1964 and were a dominant force in popular music throughout the 1970s. Known for hits like ‘I Got You Babe,’ the duo earned two Grammy nominations and sold over 40 million records worldwide. Their television variety show, ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,’ also achieved significant popularity from 1971 to 1974.
After their divorce in 1975, finalized in 1978, they maintained a business agreement regarding their music catalog. Sonny Bono later transitioned into politics, serving as a U.S. Congressman before his untimely death. Mary Bono, his widow, continued to manage aspects of his estate and business interests, leading to the recent legal entanglement with Cher.
Conclusion
While Cher emerged victorious in securing a significant portion of her owed royalties, the recent court order places the burden of substantial legal expenses on her. The case highlights the complexities of music rights, estate management, and contractual agreements that can arise long after a partnership, musical or marital, has ended.
