Blindsided: Michael Oher Files Lawsuit against Tuohy Family
Once an emblem of triumph over adversity, the story of retired NFL star Michael Oher has taken a shocking twist. Celebrated in the 2009 film "The Blind Side," his supposed rags-to-riches journey is now mired in controversy.
On Monday, Oher presented a petition in a Tennessee court alleging that a central part of his tale was fabricated by the very family that was portrayed as his saviors. The petition, 14 pages in length, was filed in Shelby County, Tennessee. It alleges that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who seemingly adopted Oher during high school, never actually adopted him at all. According to the document, just three months after Oher turned 18 in 2004, he was deceived into signing papers that made the Tuohys his conservators, thus granting them legal control over his business dealings.
It doesn't end there. The legal filing asserts that the Tuohys leveraged this power to negotiate a deal, earning millions in royalties from an Oscar-winning film that raked in over $300 million. Meanwhile, Oher, whose life was the essence of the story, received nothing. In the years following the film’s release, the Tuohys have continued to claim Oher as their adopted son, utilizing this assertion to further Leigh Anne Tuohy's authorship and speaking engagements.
"The lie of Michael's adoption is one upon which Co-Conservators Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their Ward, the undersigned Michael Oher," the legal papers state. Oher's shock and humiliation at this revelation came to light in February 2023.
The Tuohy family and their attorney have not commented on these allegations, but Sean Tuohy expressed his devastation to the Daily Memphian, insisting that the family "didn't make any money off the movie."
Oher's petition goes further, requesting the termination of the Tuohys' conservatorship and an injunction to prevent them from using his name and likeness. It also demands a full accounting of their earnings from his name and a fair share of profits, plus unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
The football star's story transitioned from book to film, receiving two Academy Awards nominations. But now, the legal distinctions between adoption and conservatorship cast a shadow over the once heartwarming narrative.
While adoption would have made Oher a legal member of the Tuohy family, the conservatorship stripped him of financial control. Despite being a legal adult with no known disabilities, Oher relinquished that authority.
According to the petition, negotiations for a movie deal began soon after the 2006 release of the book chronicling Oher's story. The legal document alleges that the Tuohys and their children each received $225,000 and 2.5% of the film's net proceeds. Oher, on the other hand, claims to have received nothing.
In an unraveling tale of trust and betrayal, the details surrounding the movie deal and Oher's legal ties to the Tuohy family have caused a deep rift. The story goes back to Oher's childhood, filled with hardship, foster care, academic struggles, and an incredible sports talent that eventually led him to the Tuohy family. The portrayal of Oher's adoption into a loving, functional family and his rise to stardom was central to "The Blind Side." However, the truth seems to be much more complicated.
Oher's relationship with the Tuohys began to decline when he realized how the movie depicted him. The erosion continued when he discovered that he wasn't receiving royalties and finally shattered when he realized that he was never actually adopted.
In their own words, the Tuohys have always insisted that they did not "save" Oher but found a determined young man with a "tremendous will to determine the course of his own life."
For Oher, the experience surrounding "The Blind Side" has been both a blessing and a source of pain. In his new book, "When Your Back's Against the Wall," released last week, Oher reflects on the principles and choices that have cut him the deepest.
The saga of Michael Oher, a symbol of triumph over adversity, now stands as a stark reminder of the complexity of truth and the human connections that shape our lives. The court's decision in the coming weeks may finally reveal the genuine story behind "The Blind Side." But the impact of these revelations on Oher's life and those who found inspiration in his story is something that might never fully be understood.
At Ed White Law, this intriguing case resonates with our daily commitment to our clients. The principles of truth, transparency, and the legal intricacies surrounding the rights to one's personal story and likeness are subjects we can discuss at length. Michael Oher's story is a potent reminder that the complexities of legal agreements require the guidance of experienced professionals. If you have concerns related to intellectual property or other legal matters, our team at Ed White Law is here to assist and guide you.