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Cher Recounts Sonny Bono's Control, Says Geffen Exposed Deal That Diverted Her Earnings

Her Armchair Expert appearance revisits memoir accounts, crediting David Geffen with a pivotal business break.

Overview

  • Cher says Bono tightly managed her movements and relationships during their marriage and professional partnership.
  • She recounts that Geffen reviewed her paperwork and warned that all income flowed to Cher Inc., owned 95% by Bono and 5% by his lawyer.
  • After Bono refused her request to become equal partners, she left; she later received 50% of publishing royalties rather than a cash payout.
  • Cher describes her 1970s relationship with Geffen as a “special arrangement,” noting he was closeted at the time.
  • She also recalls an incident in which Bono burned her clothes in their yard, sharing the anecdote as part of the podcast conversation.