In her revealing new memoir, Cher opens up about the darker aspects of her marriage to Sonny Bono, painting a vivid picture of emotional turmoil and eventual empowerment.
The memoir exposes struggles within their marriage, including Cher's battles with Sonny's control and her contemplations of suicide, ultimately leading to their separation, Page Six reported.
Before Cher became a pop culture icon, she faced numerous challenges growing up in a family with a history of tumultuous marriages. Her early life was marked by instability, which set a complex backdrop for her later relationship with Sonny Bono. Together, they climbed the ranks of the entertainment world, becoming one of the most recognized duos of their time.
Their partnership extended beyond the personal. Professionally, Sonny and Cher captivated audiences with their chemistry and catchy tunes. However, the glitz and glamor on stage hid a more troubling reality for Cher.
By October 1972, during a particularly intense series of performances in Las Vegas, Cher's mental and physical health began to deteriorate. Weighing just 98 pounds and feeling increasingly oppressed by Sonny’s demanding schedule for them, she reached her breaking point. They were performing two shows a night at the Sahara Hotel’s Congo Room when Sonny decided to sign them up for an even more grueling schedule at Caesars Palace.
This decision would become a significant turning point for Cher. Overwhelmed by the relentless pace and her diminishing agency in both her personal and professional life, she found herself standing on the balcony of their hotel suite, contemplating a tragic escape from her reality.
Cher recalls how during these moments of despair, thoughts of her loved ones—her child Chas, her family, and her fans—would pull her back from the brink. She described her loneliness as dizzying and admitted to contemplating suicide multiple times during their Las Vegas engagement. These moments of desperation repeatedly ended with Cher stepping away from the edge, choosing to face her situation.
Cher's breaking point arrived when Sonny's control over her life and their career became unbearable. Feeling trapped and desperate, Cher had a consequential interaction with a band guitarist which spurred her decision to confront Sonny directly.
Cher's confrontation was blunt and fueled by a mix of despair and defiance. She told Sonny she wanted to sleep with the guitarist, a statement that sparked a heated exchange where personal and painful admissions came to light. Sonny's subsequent revenge—sleeping with the guitarist's girlfriend—only furthered Cher's resolution to leave.
The following day, Cher demanded financial support from Sonny to facilitate her departure. They negotiated an agreement to maintain their public persona while dissolving their ties. This arrangement included detailed financial and living conditions, albeit under a facade of normalcy for public appearances.
Despite the acrimonious events that led to their separation, the duo managed to soften their interactions over time. They preserved a façade of unity for professional reasons and eventually fostered a friendship that, while never erasing the past, allowed them to interact amicably.
Cher’s memoir goes beyond just recounting her time with Sonny. It also delves into her efforts to warn and advise other artists like Tina Turner, who were navigating similar challenges in abusive relationships. Furthermore, it explores the aftermath of her relationship with Sonny, including the shocking revelations concerning the financial exploitations she suffered due to contracts signed under his guidance.
Lucille Ball's blunt advice to Cher at a critical moment underscored a turning point for her. Ball's words, “F--- him, you’re the one with the talent," resonated deeply, empowering Cher to reclaim her life and career. This empowerment theme is a central pillar of her narrative, illustrating her journey from vulnerability to autonomy.
Cher’s story offers a candid look into the complexities of her life and relationships, framed by her incredible journey through fame, adversity, and personal growth. Her memoir not only captures the essence of a turbulent period in her life but also serves as a testament to her resilience and independence.
