Episode Details

Cher just won her legal battle over Sonny Bono’s royalties—but she’s still on the hook for over a million dollars in legal fees, since the judge ruled it was a contract dispute, not copyright law. The case, now in its fourth year, centers on Cher’s right to half the royalties from their iconic 1960s hits like “I Got You Babe,” even after she sold her share to a company Mary Bono wanted to bypass. Mary appealed, hoping to reclaim publishing rights that became eligible for termination after Sonny’s 1998 death—but the appeals court hasn’t ruled yet. With both sides staying quiet, this high-stakes drama underscores how even winners in court can face steep costs. At 79, Cher’s legendary career—Grammys, Oscars, Emmys, and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy this year—makes this latest chapter a reminder of how messy music rights can get, especially with estates and old deals.

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