Story perspectives

Judge Rules Cher Retains 50% Royalties Amid Appeal

12/3/2025

49 5

Summary

Story summary

A federal judge ruled in favor of Cher, the musician and actress, confirming she retains 50% of Sonny Bono's composition royalties from their 1978 divorce.
The judge held that California contract law governs the agreement, not federal copyright law.
Mary Bono plans to appeal, contending that federal copyright law should apply rather than California contract law.
Cher can object to the estate's royalties administrator on grounds of fees and qualifications.

1 of 1

Story summary

A federal judge ruled in favor of Cher, the musician and actress, confirming she retains 50% of Sonny Bono's composition royalties from their 1978 divorce.
The judge held that California contract law governs the agreement, not federal copyright law.
Mary Bono plans to appeal, contending that federal copyright law should apply rather than California contract law.
Cher can object to the estate's royalties administrator on grounds of fees and qualifications.