Singer Cher strikes out on attorney fees after winning royalties battle

Winning in court did not mean walking away without a cost for Cher.

The music icon has suffered an unexpected legal setback following her victory in a royalties dispute involving her late ex-husband Sonny Bono‘s widow, Mary Bono. 

The ruling has once again put the spotlight on Cher’s complicated history with Sonny Bono and the financial ties that linger decades after their split. 

Cher has been dealt an unexpected setback after a judge refused to make Sonny Bono’s widow, Mary Bono, cover more than $1 million in legal fees, despite the singer previously prevailing in their long-running royalties dispute.

The dispute centered on royalties from “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On,” with Cher arguing her 1978 divorce agreement entitled her to half the earnings.

The Grammy winner ultimately secured a ruling awarding her more than $418,000 in unpaid royalties after successfully challenging efforts to terminate her rights. TMZ reports the victory did not extend to recovering the legal costs she incurred throughout the years-long case.

The judge ruled the attorney-fee law did not apply because the dispute centered on the couple’s divorce agreement rather than copyright law. The music legend will now cover her own legal costs. 

A Heartbreaking Discovery Changed Everything 

Cher revealed she discovered Sonny Bono’s alleged affair while grieving the loss of her third pregnancy. In her memoir, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One,” the music icon recalled that the devastating miscarriage deepened her fears that she might never become a mother, while Bono threw himself into work on their next film.

According to the memoir, Bono hired a young blonde secretary. One night, after getting up for a drink of water, Cher initially dismissed seeing movement downstairs before later spotting Bono quietly helping the woman out of their home.

The singer admitted the discovery “broke my heart,” describing the moment as a painful cliché that confirmed her worst fears, per PEOPLE. The revelation came as the couple faced personal and professional struggles, becoming a turning point in a marriage that eventually ended. 

Cher Says The Affair Changed Her And Sonny Bono’s Marriage Forever

The discovery did not immediately end the relationship, but it left Cher devastated. The singer recalled packing her belongings and going to her mother’s house after witnessing Sonny Bono with his secretary, only to learn that her mother had already heard rumors about his alleged infidelity.

Bono tried to mend the relationship, not deny the situation, with charm and persuasion. He even told Cher that he looked outside of their marriage because he wasn’t sexually satisfied and that he manipulated her into apologizing, she said.

The couple had their son, Chaz, born in 1969, and were married that same year; however, there was still tension between them. They divorced in 1972, and finalized the divorce in 1974, thus ending one of the most renowned partnerships in music history.

Finding Love Again After High-Profile Relationships

Following their divorce, the music icon married Gregg Allman, with whom she welcomed her second son, Elijah Blue Allman. Over the years, she has also been linked to several high-profile figures, including Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise, Richie Sambora, and Alexander “A.E.” Edwards, proving she never stopped embracing new chapters in her personal life.

Despite the ups and downs, the singer has often spoken positively about love, explaining that while she enjoys relationships, she has never believed she needed one to define her happiness. She has said each relationship taught her valuable lessons and helped shape her life.

ELLE previously detailed how her decades-long dating history reflected both her independence and willingness to keep her heart open. From heartbreak to new beginnings, the entertainment legend has continually reinvented herself. 

Cher Continues Looking Ahead Despite Personal Challenges

Behind her decades of success, Cher has continued facing personal challenges. The Blast previously reported that the singer experienced a bittersweet milestone as she turned 80, with sources claiming she chose to forgo a lavish celebration while focusing on completing the second part of her memoir and considering one final tour.

The reports also noted that much of her attention remained on supporting her son, Elijah Blue Allman, as he continued receiving treatment for addiction.

Despite those family challenges, insiders said the music icon has found happiness in other areas of her life. Sources said longtime partner Alexander Edwards has remained a source of happiness despite their nearly 40-year age gap.

The reports also noted that Cher remains close to her eldest son, Chaz Bono, while continuing to stand by Elijah during his recovery. Even as legal battles revive memories of Sonny Bono, Cher continues balancing family, career, and life in the spotlight.

After another courtroom setback, will Cher continue proving that perseverance has been the defining theme of her extraordinary life?

The Singer Cher Strikes Out On Attorney Fees After Winning Royalties Battle first appeared on The Blast