Shocking allegations have emerged from former NFL offensive lineman, Michael Oher, who claims that the family who took him in, helped him become a professional football player, and were portrayed in the hit movie “The Blind Side,” lied to him, never adopted him, and cheated him out of potential millions of dollars. Oher filed a petition on Monday in Shelby County, Tennessee, where he details the eyebrow-raising claims. He alleges that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy “exploited” him “for their own benefit” once they realized he was a “gullible young man” with athletic talent.
Oher’s involvement with the Tuohys began during the summer following his junior year in high school. He states in his petition that he became involved with them after falling into a state of homelessness due to a broken social system in Tennessee. The Tuohys offered him aid, inviting him to stay in their home during that summer and taking him on shopping trips to buy him clothes. Before his senior year of high school started, they asked him to move in with them. “The Tuohys did tell Michael they loved him and that they intended to legally adopt him,” Oher stated in the documents. “Michael believed them, was delighted to be part of a real and stable family, and trusted Mr. and Mrs. Tuohy completely.”
However, Oher sheds light on the Tuohys’ alleged deception. He claims that shortly after he moved in with them, they presented him with legal papers that he believed were for the adoption process. However, he later discovered, in February 2023, that the papers were actually a petition to appoint the Tuohys as his conservators. This conservatorship would grant them complete control over Oher’s ability to negotiate contracts, despite him being over 18 years old and having no diagnosed disabilities.
Oher argues that the conservatorship enabled the Tuohys to negotiate a deal with Fox for “The Blind Side,” the 2009 movie based on his life. According to Oher, the Tuohys secured themselves and their children a contract price of $225,000, plus 2.5% of all future net proceeds. To Oher’s dismay, the contract consisted of him giving away the rights to his story without receiving any payment. Oher insists that he never willingly or knowingly signed this document and was never made aware of its true contents.
Related Post
In his petition, Oher appeals to the court to terminate the conservatorship and seeks damages, as well as an accounting of the money the Tuohys obtained through contracts negotiated on his behalf. This legal action could potentially lead to a lawsuit. Oher has previously expressed dissatisfaction with “The Blind Side,” as he feels it portrayed him inaccurately as unintelligent. He played in the NFL from 2009 to 2016, starting in 110 games over his career.
The movie “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy received critical acclaim and commercial success, grossing over $300 million. Oher’s allegations raise serious questions about the treatment he received from the Tuohys and the financial arrangements concerning his story. While these claims are still being investigated, they shed light on potential exploitation and the need for legal redress to protect vulnerable individuals in similar situations.
It is important to note that these allegations are currently unproven, and it remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold. However, the shocking nature of Oher’s claims should not be overlooked, as they highlight potential abuses of power and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially when their stories are commercialized for financial gain. As this case develops, it may serve as a reminder that fame and success do not always guarantee fair treatment and that justice and accountability must prevail, regardless of one’s background or circumstances.
