Cher Reveals How She Escaped Industry Sacrifice │ They Tried To DESTROY Her Soul | HO

April 28, 2025

Cher has always been a force of nature—bold, unapologetic, and fiercely independent. But behind her decades-long career and iconic status lies a story that the music industry would rather keep hidden.

Now, Cher is finally speaking her truth about the dark side of fame, revealing how she narrowly escaped becoming another victim of industry sacrifice. From legal battles with billion-dollar record labels to a marriage that felt more like a business contract, Cher’s journey to stardom was as brutal as it was glamorous.

She was silenced, sidelined, and even stolen from, but she never backed down. Today, she’s sharing her story in hopes that others can learn from her struggles. So, what exactly did Cher reveal, and how did she survive an industry notorious for chewing up and spitting out women? More importantly, did the industry’s power players really try to destroy her soul? Let’s find out.

A Misfit in the Spotlight

Cher has always defied easy categorization. “I’m not an actress—actors don’t consider me an actress. Singers don’t consider me a singer. Gay men consider me their best friend, and straight men are a little bit nervous,” she once quipped. Despite her charm and wit, Cher admits that her relentless work ethic is often the biggest challenge in her relationships. “I’m such an easy person to have a relationship with—except for my work. Well, that’s a pretty big ‘except,’” she laughs.

But behind the humor lies a lifetime of fighting for her place in the industry. Cher has never shied away from exposing the music business’s darker side. In 2009, she went head-to-head with Universal Music Group (UMG), filing a lawsuit alleging the label’s “creative accounting” had shortchanged her and the heirs of her late ex-husband, Sonny Bono, out of $5 million.

According to the lawsuit, UMG executives used “wrongful tactics” to hide revenue from two hit compilation albums. The complaint also accused UMG of inserting a middleman, Universal International, to divert money that rightfully belonged to Cher and Sonny’s estate.

The Fight for What’s Hers

Cher’s legal team claimed that UMG improperly deducted hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising expenses and service charges, further reducing her share of royalties.

Her lawyer, Mark Passin, put it bluntly: “Universal is playing a game of catch-me-if-you-can with one of the most popular and iconic artists of all time. Unfortunately, record companies have learned that they can increase their bottom line by underreporting royalties to artists.”

UMG, of course, denied any wrongdoing. “The claims are meritless, and we are confident we will prevail in court,” said spokesperson Peter Loerento. But Cher wasn’t deterred. She boldly tried to bring UMG’s top bosses, including President Zach Horowitz and CEO Lucian Grainge, to the stand. Fans were shocked at her audacity, but the label managed to pull strings and get the judge on their side, ultimately leaving Cher on the losing end. It was a classic example of how even the most powerful artists can be outmaneuvered by corporate giants.

The “Believe” Betrayal

Legal battles weren’t the only way Cher was shortchanged. Her 1998 smash hit “Believe” topped charts in 23 countries and sold over 11 million copies, earning her a Grammy. Yet, in a candid interview with the BBC, Cher revealed that she contributed to the song’s writing but wasn’t even asked for a writer’s credit. “I was so stupid—they didn’t even ask, and I didn’t even ask to get a writer’s credit,” she admitted. “The song wouldn’t have been the same without me.”

Cher fought for her vision during the production process, clashing with producer Mark Taylor over the vocals. “If you want it sung better, get somebody else,” she told him after a heated exchange. Despite her contributions, she missed out on a huge paycheck. “Sure, it sold 11 million copies, and I didn’t get a credit. I could have gotten a lot of money,” she lamented.

Label Indifference and Industry Sabotage

Cher’s struggles with record labels didn’t end there. In 2013, she released her album “Closer to the Truth” under Warner Brothers. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, marking her highest-charting solo album ever. Yet, Cher took to social media to expose the label’s lack of support: “WB hasn’t got a great deal of interest in my CD… decision makers don’t seem to care that much. It’s okay.”

Fans rallied behind her, expressing frustration at the label’s indifference. Many believed Warner Brothers deliberately withheld support because Cher refused to bow to their demands. It was yet another example of how the industry punishes artists who refuse to play by its rules.

A Marriage Built on Control

Cher’s personal life was no less complicated. Diagnosed with dyslexia in her thirties, she struggled for years without knowing why reading and numbers were so difficult. Those around her—including Sonny—took advantage of her vulnerability. The pair married when Cher was just 16 and Sonny was 27, and he was still technically married to someone else. Despite the age gap and complicated beginnings, Cher described their bond as protective rather than romantic.

But Sonny’s control extended to Cher’s career and finances. When she filed for divorce in 1974, Cher cited “involuntary servitude,” claiming Sonny had used her dyslexia and lack of business experience to rob her of money—just like the record labels. To make matters worse, Sonny was unfaithful, cheating on Cher with multiple women. Despite the betrayal, they maintained a public facade for years to protect their careers.

Surviving the Industry’s Dark Side

Cher’s journey has been anything but easy. She’s faced powerful industry executives, legal manipulation, and personal heartbreak. Yet, she’s never lost her sense of humor or her fighting spirit. In an interview with Jennifer Hudson, Cher recalled a writer who predicted her career’s end every year. “You know what, buddy? I’ll be here when you’re gone. And I think I am,” she said with a smile.

Cher’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity. She survived an industry that tried to destroy her soul, and she’s still standing—stronger than ever. As she continues to speak her truth, Cher hopes her journey will inspire others to fight for their worth and never let anyone silence them.

What do you think? Did Cher truly face the dark side of the industry, and how do the higher-ups feel knowing she’s still here after everything they threw her way? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.