In a legal drama fit for Hollywood, the legendary Cher has emerged victorious in a lawsuit against Mary Bono, the widow of her former musical partner and husband, Sonny Bono.
The Grammy award-winning icon, known for hits like “I Got You Babe,” is now set to receive more than $400,000 in royalties accrued since the lawsuit’s inception in 2021.
Cher’s legal battle began when she accused Mary Bono of withholding royalties from the iconic Sonny & Cher catalog.
According to the lawsuit, Cher was entitled to a 50-50 share of the royalties, as stipulated in a 1978 divorce settlement agreement between her and Sonny.
This agreement, forged in the wake of their professional and personal split, ensured that Cher would continue to receive half of the earnings from their collaborative musical efforts.
The lawsuit shed light on a long-standing dispute over the financial legacy of Sonny & Cher, whose music defined a generation in the 1960s and 70s.
Tracks like “The Beat Goes On” and “I Got You Babe” became anthems of an era, and their television venture, The Sonny & Cher Show, captivated audiences from 1971 to 1974.
After Sonny’s tragic death in a skiing accident in 1998, his share of the royalties was passed on to his heirs.
However, the court’s recent ruling reaffirms that the original divorce agreement still stands.
U.S. District Judge John Kronstadt, presiding over the case in Los Angeles, stated that the agreement entitles Cher to 50 percent of the royalties from their joint musical catalog.
“Justice has been served, and Cher’s rights have been vindicated,” remarked a representative for Cher, celebrating the ruling.
The court papers, obtained by City News Service, underline the enduring legal weight of the decades-old agreement.
Cher’s victory is not just a personal win but a significant moment in the ongoing saga of Sonny & Cher.
Their music continues to resonate with fans old and new, proving that while the beat goes on, so does the quest for rightful recognition and compensation in the ever-evolving music industry.
For now, Cher can bask in the satisfaction of a hard-fought legal triumph, securing her rightful share of the royalties from the timeless tunes that she and Sonny created together.
Good for her!
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Source: CBS News
