Cher Wins Copyright Lawsuit Against Ex-Husband’s Widow

Cher won a copyright lawsuit against Sonny Bono’s widow, Mary, after battling over song royalties for nearly three years.

California judge, John Kronstadt, ruled Mary owes Cher more than $418,000 in unpaid royalties that have accrued, May 29, according to People. The iconic singer sued Mary in October, 2021, citing that she was owed the money from songs she recorded while married to Sonny and operating as Sonny & Cher. The funds were incorrectly allocated by Wixen Music Publishing. “As to the resulting damages, the parties agree that Wixen distributed at least $187,000 of Composition Royalties to Sonny’s heirs that, but for the invalid termination, would have been distributed to [Cher]; of this amount, at least $93,500 was paid to [Mary].” the judge said, according to People.