Music icon Cher's tumultuous relationship with Sonny Bono takes center stage in her newly released memoir, revealing decades of untold stories about their partnership.

According to Daily Mail, the legendary singer exposes how Bono blamed her for his infidelities, claiming she didn't satisfy him sexually enough, particularly after her third miscarriage.

In "Cher: The Memoir, Part One," released Tuesday, the 78-year-old artist describes her ex-husband as controlling and Machiavellian, detailing how he restricted her movements, banned her from wearing perfume, and isolated her from friends and family.

Early Days Of A Complex Partnership

Their story began in 1962 at a Los Angeles coffee shop when 16-year-old Cher met 27-year-old Salvatore Philip Bono. Despite the significant age gap, their connection flourished when Bono offered her a place to stay in exchange for cooking and cleaning.

Their initial platonic arrangement, marked by twin beds and Bono's assertion that he didn't find her attractive, evolved into a complex personal and professional relationship.

The duo's rise to fame started with their hit song "Baby Don't Go" in 1964, followed by "I Got You Babe," which catapulted Sonny & Cher to nationwide recognition. Their success led to tours with the Beach Boys and performances in London, where their distinctive style even got them denied entry to the Hilton Hotel.

As their star power grew, so did Bono's control over their schedule and personal lives. They never took proper vacations, only brief breaks between performances, and their social life became increasingly restricted under Bono's management.

Manipulation And Marital Breakdown

Cher shared a painful memory about Bono's infidelity, revealing that he once justified his actions by claiming he wouldn't have strayed if he had felt sexually fulfilled in their marriage.

His controlling behavior became increasingly troubling, culminating in an incident where he burned her tennis clothes. This was his reaction to discovering that she had briefly mingled at a party after a tennis lesson. Such actions left Cher feeling deeply hurt and defeated.

The birth of their daughter Chastity (now Chaz) in 1969 failed to improve their relationship. On her first night home from the hospital, Bono's absence led to Cher collapsing alone from a hemorrhage. Their public image as America's sweethearts masked the deteriorating private reality of their marriage.

Financial Deception And Professional Control

The most shocking revelation came in 1973 when music mogul David Geffen reviewed Cher's contract.

The investigation uncovered that Cher owned nothing in "Cher Enterprises," with Bono controlling 95 percent and his lawyer owning the remaining five percent. The arrangement prevented Cher from accessing her earnings or making financial decisions without Bono's approval.

These restrictive conditions extended beyond finances, requiring Bono's permission for any professional endeavors. The contract bound Cher for an additional two years, leaving her feeling trapped and betrayed by someone she had completely trusted.

Throughout their marriage, Bono's infidelities continued with various women, including dancers, actresses, waitresses, and prostitutes. Some women later contacted Cher, claiming Bono had told them the couple had an open marriage.

Legacy Of A Troubled Partnership

Today, Cher's revelations provide crucial context to one of entertainment's most famous partnerships. The memoir exposes the stark contrast between their public persona as America's beloved couple and the private reality of control, manipulation, and betrayal.

The story of Cher and Sonny Bono's marriage, as detailed in her new memoir, reveals how their professional success masked personal struggles, including infidelity, financial exploitation, and emotional abuse. Despite their eventual split, their complicated relationship shaped both their careers and American pop culture history.

Why This Story Matters

This story sheds light on the hidden struggles of public figures and emphasizes the importance of transparency in personal and financial relationships. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities behind the façade of celebrity marriages.

The full weight of Sonny's betrayal, coupled with Cher's eventual liberation, illuminates the resilience it takes to reclaim one's life from the shadows of exploitation and emotional abuse. Cher’s narrative is not just a recount of past wounds but a hopeful tale of reclaiming autonomy and identity.