Decades after the legendary duo Sonny & Cher topped the charts with hits like I Got You Babe and The Beat Goes On, Cher is making headlines again with explosive allegations about financial deception during their partnership.
The 77-year-old music and film icon recently accused her late ex-husband, Sonny Bono, of swindling her out of millions during their marriage and professional collaboration. In a revealing statement, Cher claimed Bono secretly controlled the majority of their earnings through a company he established in her name—Cher Enterprises—while leaving her with a negligible share.
‘He Took All My Money’: Cher Opens Up About Betrayal
In an emotionally charged interview, Cher disclosed that she initially trusted Bono to manage their finances, operating under the assumption that as a married couple, their assets were equally shared.
“I just thought, ‘We’re husband and wife. Half the things are his, half the things are mine,’” Cher said. “It didn’t occur to me that there was another way.”
However, the pop superstar revealed that Bono had set up Cher Enterprises, owning 95% of the business, with the remaining 5% going to his attorney. Despite the company bearing her name, Cher was effectively cut out of her own earnings.
A Tumultuous History: Love, Fame, and Financial Scandals
Cher and Sonny Bono first met in 1962 when she was 16 and he was 27. Their personal and professional partnership began shortly after, leading to chart-topping success and two popular TV variety shows, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and The Sonny & Cher Show.
While their fame soared, their marriage unraveled, culminating in a divorce in 1975. Cher went on to build an illustrious solo career, earning an Oscar for her role in Moonstruck and achieving musical success with hits like Believe. Bono, meanwhile, shifted gears, becoming a California congressman until his untimely death in a skiing accident in 1998.
Despite her current estimated net worth of $360 million, Cher’s allegations suggest she is still grappling with the long-lasting impact of Bono’s alleged financial control.
Legacy Tarnished? Cher Reflects on Sonny’s Motives
Cher’s most shocking statement came when she pondered Bono’s intentions: “I wish to God I could just ask, ‘Son, at what point, during what day, did you go, ‘Yeah, you know what? I’m going to take her money.’”
The singer’s allegations have sparked heated debate among fans and financial experts alike, raising questions about the ethics of financial arrangements in celebrity partnerships and the lack of legal protections for artists during the 1960s and 1970s.
Netizens React to Cher’s Bombshell Accusation
Cher’s claims have ignited a firestorm on social media, with netizens taking to Twitter to share their opinions.
- @PopCultureGuru: “Cher speaking out about Sonny after all these years is a reminder of how women were sidelined back then.”
- @MusicHistoryFan: “Shocking to hear Cher’s story. Makes you wonder how many other stars suffered similar betrayals.”
- @CherForeverFan: “Cher is a legend. She doesn’t need to justify herself, but this sheds light on her strength.”
- @BonoLegacyLover: “Sonny Bono’s legacy is taking a hit with these claims. Is it too late for damage control?”
- @RetroVibesOnly: “If Cher Enterprises was real, it’s hard to defend Sonny’s actions. This is an eye-opener.”
- @HollywoodInsider89: “Cher’s still grappling with her past. It’s a sad reminder of the complexities behind the glitz.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.