Cher has a lawsuit pending against former Republican U.S. Representative Mary Bono. Mary is the widow of Cher’s late musical partner and ex-husband Sonny Bono. Cher claims that an elaborate scheme is set to steal her Sonny and Cher hits royalty rights.
The lawsuit filing in a Los Angeles federal court details how Cher’s rights to the royalties were granted under the iconic couple’s divorce settlement. And claims there is a “scheme” to take away her 50% of the portfolio.
Under the Copyright Act of 1976, authors can in some circumstances, cancel transfers of their copyrights. And then reclaim them after 35 years. The provision is at the center of recent disputes involving Marvel, and its parent company Disney.
Sonny’s fourth wife and his children Chesare Bono, Chianna Bono, Christy Bono, and Chastity (Chaz) Bono were beneficiaries of his will. Sonny died in a skiing accident in 1998. And his estate included 50% of rights to all Sonny and Cher music. The other 50% was Cher’s.
Veritas Trust and The Bono Collection Trust
According to the suit:
