Los Angeles, CA – Cher has emerged victorious in a long-standing legal battle against Sonny Bono’s widow regarding royalty payments for iconic songs like “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On.” The Grammy-winning artist recently filed a federal lawsuit against Mary Bono in 2021, alleging that she withheld royalties from the Sonny & Cher catalog. Cher claimed that she and Sonny had agreed to split their community property equally following their divorce in 1975, which included sharing music royalty payments. The duo, known for their popular music in the 1960s and ’70s, were married from 1967 to 1975.
According to Cher’s lawsuit, the 50-50 split of royalties continued even after Sonny’s tragic death in 1998. However, Mary Bono argued that Cher was no longer entitled to these payments under The Copyright Act, which allows songwriters and their heirs to reclaim control of intellectual property from third parties. A recent ruling by Judge John A. Kronstadt sided with Cher, ensuring that she will continue to receive her rightful payments. It was revealed that over $400,000 had been withheld from the singer during the dispute.
Attorneys representing both Cher and Mary Bono were approached for comments regarding the ruling. Cher’s legal victory brings clarity to the ongoing dispute over royalty payments and highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the music industry. This case serves as a reminder of the legal battles that can arise over royalties and the significance of honoring agreements made between artists and their estates. Cher’s successful lawsuit sets a precedent for artists seeking to uphold their rights to receive fair compensation for their creative work.