Cher has opened up about the controlling dynamics of her marriage to the late Sonny Bono, revealing how his management shaped her life and career during their time as the iconic musical duo, Sonny & Cher. In a candid discussion on the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, the 79-year-old singer reflected on their complex relationship that began in the 1960s.
The couple first met in Los Angeles in 1962 when Cher was just 16 and Bono, then 27, was an aspiring music producer working with Phil Spector. Bono quickly became Cher’s mentor, manager, and creative partner, leading to the formation of Sonny & Cher in 1964. They married in a non-official ceremony in Tijuana, Mexico, later that year.
Their breakthrough hit, “I Got You, Babe,” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1965, propelling them to stardom. While they officially married in 1969, their success soon morphed into a turbulent relationship. Cher recalled on the podcast, “We had a lot of fun, and he was special in a way, and then it became very treacherous.”
As their fame escalated, so did Bono’s controlling behavior. Cher noted that the unraveling of their relationship coincided with their rise to prominence. “This is when now this kind of new side of Sonny comes out,” Cher explained, acknowledging Bono’s increasingly domineering nature.
Shepard probed further, saying, “You have this huge success. There’s a lot of money. You’re not allowed to leave the house. You’re allowed to go shopping. That’s pretty much all you’re allowed to do, right?” Cher responded affirmatively, confirming that her autonomy was severely limited.
Cher recounted a troubling incident that highlighted Bono’s jealousy. After she attended a friend’s party following a tennis practice, Bono reacted by burning her clothes in a fit of rage. “He burned my clothes,” she stated. “In the yard.” This incident marked a significant moment in Cher’s realization of the control Bono exerted over her life.
Despite the oppressive atmosphere at home, Cher found solace in their collaborative work on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour. “I was free on the show, and he was funny, and we got along,” she reflected. The show provided a stark contrast to their home life, where Bono’s demeanor was rigid and controlling.
Cher also revealed that she discovered Bono’s infidelity during the latter years of their marriage. When discussing this aspect, she mentioned an incident from her 1998 memoir, The First Time, in which she stumbled upon another woman in their home. Despite this shocking revelation, Cher initially chose not to leave Bono, largely because of the success they shared on their television show.
Their marriage ultimately deteriorated, leading to their decision to divorce in February 1974. Just two months later, their show was canceled. During the divorce proceedings, Cher learned how little control she had over their finances, discovering that the majority of their earnings were funneled into a company controlled by Bono. “Do you realize 100% of this money goes to a company called Cher Inc. that is owned 95% by Sonny and 5% by his lawyer?” she recalled her friend David Geffen asking.
Cher’s divorce was finalized in 1975, but not before she understood the dire state of their finances. Much of their wealth had been spent or lost under Bono’s management. She ultimately retained 50% of the publishing royalties from their work, a move that proved financially beneficial over the years, earning her tens of millions of dollars.
Following the split, Cher embarked on a successful solo career while Bono transitioned into politics. Tragically, Bono died in a skiing accident in Lake Tahoe, California, in 1998. Together, they had one child, Chaz Bono.
Reflecting on her experiences, Cher concluded, “I have never had success with men and money.” Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of personal and professional relationships in the entertainment industry.
