Michael Oher, subject of ‘The Blind Side,’ alleges Tuohy family never adopted him, cut him from film profits

Former Ole Miss All-American Michael Oher, the subject of the 2009 film “The Blind Side,” has filed a lawsuit towards the Tuohy family alleging the family never legally adopted him and lied about their familial standing for benefit, in step with filings acquired by means of ESPN. Oher claims he didn’t obtain any cash from the film, whilst all 4 contributors of the Tuohy family each and every gained hundreds of thousands of greenbacks. 

The swimsuit alleges Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy didn’t undertake Oher because the film portrays, however as an alternative entered him right into a conservatorship underneath the impact that it was once necessarily the similar association as adoption. Under a conservatorship, the Tuohys can input into offers legally with out Oher’s consent — such because the award-winning film starring Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw that grossed greater than $300 million. 

A conservatorship additionally allowed the Tuohys to take keep an eye on of Oher’s monetary lifestyles although he was once now not a criminal member of the family. Adoption, even of a criminal grownup, does now not require any industry preparations. Oher remains to be now not a criminal member of the Tuohy family. 

“Michael Oher discovered this lie to his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he learned that the Conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys,” the criminal submitting reads. 

Oher’s submitting calls for an finish to the conservatorship, in addition to each compensatory and punitive damages for the association, which has existed for almost twenty years since Oher signed it quickly after his 18th birthday. The 4 organic contributors of the Tuohy family each and every gained $225,000 and a couple of.5% of “defined net proceeds” from the film. Oher gained not anything for signing his lifestyles rights over to twentieth Century Fox Studios. 

In addition to the film, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy additionally wrote a e book about their enjoy. Leigh Anne Tuohy refers to Oher as her adopted son whilst advertising and marketing each her basis and paintings as a motivational speaker. 

“Mike’s relationship with the Tuohy family started to decline when he discovered that he was portrayed in the movie as unintelligent,” Oher’s legal professional J. Gerard Stranch IV advised ESPN. “Their relationship continued to deteriorate as he learned that he was the only member of the family not receiving royalty checks from the movie, and it was permanently fractured when he realized he wasn’t adopted and a part of the family.” 

Oher grew up in foster properties and had classes of homelessness whilst rising up in Memphis, Tennessee, as one of 12 kids. After enrolling at Briarcrest Christian School, the place he was once coached by means of present Ole Miss trainer Hugh Freeze, Oher ultimately began dwelling with the Tuohys. When he became 18, the Tuohys advised Oher that they supposed to legally undertake him. 

A celebrity offensive take on recruit, Oher signed with Ole Miss out of highschool and become a unanimous All-American. He began 110 video games within the NFL with the Ravens, Titans and Panthers earlier than retiring in 2016. 

“The Blind Side,” in accordance with a e book of the similar title by means of Michael Lewis, was once launched to crucial acclaim in 2009. The film was once nominated for Best Picture on the Academy Awards, whilst Sandra Bullock in the end received Best Actress for her efficiency as Leigh Anne Tuohy.