It has been alleged in the widely recognized film “The Blind Side” that the Touhys, who took in Michael Oher, may have misled him into believing that he was being adopted when in fact, they were placing him in a conservatorship.
Recently, Oher submitted a petition that was 14 pages long to the Probate Court for Shelby County, Tennessee, as in the petition. He claimed that the Touhys did not take any legal action in Juvenile Court to acquire legal custody of him. These claims have raised concerns about the legality of the Touhys’ actions and their true intentions towards Oher.
Take a look at the whole controversy below!
Did Michael Oher Sue His Family?
Michael Oher, who was the subject of the popular 2009 movie “The Blind Side,” is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against his adoptive family. Oher alleges that he was deceived into signing over the rights to his life story for financial gain by the Tuohy family, who were portrayed positively in the film.
Furthermore, Oher claims that the basis of the movie is false and that the family never legally adopted him. These allegations have sparked a heated legal battle between Oher and the Tuohy family, with both sides.
According to a legal document submitted to the court, Michael Oher made a claim that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy handed him a petition for conservatorship in the year 2004. This petition granted them complete authority over his ability to negotiate contracts, even though he was already over 18 years old and had no existing disabilities.
The Tuohys presented this petition as the sole solution to “adopt” him under their care, given that he was already an adult.
“Since at least August of 2004, Conservators have allowed Michael specifically, and the public, generally, to believe that Conservators adopted Michael and have used that untruth to gain financial advantages for themselves and the foundations which they own or which they exercise control,” the complaint adds.
What Happened to Michael Oher and the Tuohy Family?
Recently, Michael Oher has filed a petition in Shelby County Probate Court, alleging that the Tuohys have fraudulently portrayed themselves as his adoptive parents.
He has requested the termination of the conservatorship, complete disclosure of the money earned through his name and story, payment of the amount owed to him along with interest, and the imposition of sanctions on the Tuohys with compensatory and punitive damages as decided by the court. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Michael Oher has never been fond of the movie inspired by his life.
Oher has also accused the Tuohys of engaging in negotiations that resulted in substantial payments for themselves and their children through the movie rights of “The Blind Side,” which grossed an impressive $330 million.
The complaint also alleges that the conservatorship is still ongoing, and the Tuohys have not complied with the legal requirement of submitting annual financial reports. These allegations, if proven true, could have serious implications and raise questions about the Tuohys’ conduct.
For the unversed, in the month of February of the year 2023, Michael Oher was informed that he was not deemed to be a member of the Tuohy family, despite having agreed to the Conservatorship under the impression that he was.
What Is the Blind Side Story?
The film narrates the inspiring tale of Michael Oher, a young African-American teenager who faced the challenges of homelessness, poverty, and educational struggles. Despite these obstacles, he persevered and eventually achieved his dream of playing in the National Football League as he was adopted by a Caucasian family.
In the movie, it was shown that the support and guidance of his adoptive parents played a crucial role in his success. The movie is based on the 2006 book written by Michael Lewis, which tells Oher’s incredible journey to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.
What do you think of the allegations made by Oher? Do you also find the blind side controversial?
Do you think Oher is suing his family? Is it a fair move? Let us know below!
