In recent years, the name Michael Oher has become synonymous with inspiration, courage, and determination. His remarkable journey from homelessness to professional football, famously portrayed in the movie “The Blind Side,” touched hearts worldwide. However, a lesser-known aspect of Oher’s life has come to the forefront.
A recent lawsuit from the 37-year-old retired football player claims that not only was he fooled by the Tuohy family, he was also tricked and financially ripped off.
According to the suit, Oher – who was homeless as a teenager and was taken in by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy – was told he would be adopted by the family. Oher claims he signed paperwork that was presented as adoption paperwork, but was actually a Conservatorship. This conservatorship, according to Oher, allowed the Tuohy to make decisions on his behalf, and take what should have went to Oher.
The petition further alleges that the Tuohys used their power as conservators to strike a deal that paid them and their two birth children millions of dollars in royalties from an Oscar-winning film that earned more than $300 million, while Oher got nothing for a story “that would not have existed without him.”
In the years since, the Tuohys have continued calling the 37-year-old Oher their adopted son and have used that assertion to promote their foundation as well as Leigh Anne Tuohy’s work as an author and motivational speaker.
The 2009 movie about his life called, “The Blind Side,” grossed $300 million when it came out. Sean Tuohy told The Daily Memphian, “We didn’t make any money off the movie.”
