Just checked on Ask.com. Cher’s mother is Cherokee, American and French. Her father is Armenian. Remembering back,throughout her career she identified with her Indian heritage.
She did that song “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves,” sympathizing with the plight of “half-breeds.” But I suspect that she was considered “hot” back in her school days, and that the “half-breed” thing worked for her, not against her. It certainly didn’t prevent her from becoming rich. Actually, maybe that explains her present posturing - guilt about being rich.
She’s about as much Indian as I am. And as far as “taking nothing from Sonny” - he made her career. She would still be a Los Angeles pizza waitress without him. Also, she made his life hell on and off stage. I know this from someone very close to the duo at that time. Sonny was the good guy.