Cher appeared on ‘The Today Show’ on Tuesday to discuss the first volume of her two-part memoir, ‘Cher: The Memoir.’ The book features candid stories about her legendary career and her tumultuous relationship with Sonny Bono. During the conversation, Cher shared advice she had received from comedian Lucille Ball during her struggles with Bono, which led to an unexpected moment of swearing on live TV.
“I love how you sought out another iconic woman for advice during this whole mess. You called Lucille Ball,” noted Kotb. “And what did she tell you to do?”
“I can’t say it on TV,” cautioned Cher.
“We’ll bleep it,” said Kotb.
“I said, ‘Lucy I’m calling you because to my knowledge there’s never been a situation besides mine except yours,'” said Cher, referencing Ball’s highly-publicized split from husband and business partner Desi Arnaz. “She said, ‘F— him. You’re the one with the talent.'”
The live broadcast did not bleep the swear word in time, which alarmed Kotb, who laughed it off. “We’ll put it in the next broadcast,” the host said.
“You said I could,” Cher noted.
“I should’ve bleeped it myself,” quipped Kotb. “Bleep.”
NBC later uploaded a censored version of the interview on YouTube.
