In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the entertainment industry, Cher has laid bare the tumultuous details of her marriage to Sonny Bono in her newly released memoir. The 78-year-old music icon’s candid account exposes a relationship marked by financial deception, control, and dark moments that nearly turned fatal.
The “Goddess of Pop” doesn’t hold back in describing how her former husband and musical partner systematically took control of her finances. “He took all my money,” Cher told The New York Times, reflecting on her naivety during their marriage. The singer, who met Bono when she was just 16 and he was 27, trusted him completely, assuming their partnership meant equal sharing of assets.
A Marriage Built On Control
The memoir paints a picture of a deeply controlling relationship that went far beyond financial matters. Bono restricted Cher’s social interactions, even forbidding her from spending time with other band members. Their professional success, including the hit “I Got You Babe” and their popular television show, masked a darker reality behind the scenes.
Particularly disturbing is Cher’s account of a conversation that took place during their separation in Las Vegas. Bono admitted to considering throwing her from their hotel balcony, casually suggesting he would “plead insanity” and serve just seven years before landing a book deal and his own show. In a twisted moment of dark humor, Cher revealed she had contemplated jumping herself.
The Price Of Fame
The book details how their marriage crumbled amid accusations of infidelity. When Cher caught Bono with his assistant, she fled to her mother, only to discover that rumors of his unfaithfulness had been circulating for some time. Bono’s response to the confrontation was to blame Cher, claiming insufficient intimacy in their relationship.
Despite the hardships, Cher’s resilience shines through. She continues to perform and create, even working with her 96-year-old voice teacher. “You’re not really supposed to be able to sing at this age,” she noted in her Times interview, adding, “It will make me sad the day I can’t.”
Looking Forward
The memoir, which Cher admits “exhausted” her to write, covers her life from birth through the early 1980s. Fans can expect more revelations in the second volume, scheduled for release in 2025. Sonny Bono, who died in a skiing accident in 1998, never addressed many of these allegations, leaving readers to grapple with this one-sided but compelling account of their complex relationship.
This powerful memoir stands as a testament to Cher’s endurance and honesty, offering readers an unprecedented glimpse into the personal struggles behind her public persona. It serves as a reminder that even the most glittering careers can mask profound personal challenges.
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