The family captured in The Blind Side movie have responded to the lawsuit against them by Michael Oher - who claims the movie isn't what it seems.
The Tuohys, portrayed as his saviors in the acclaimed 2009 film are now facing allegations that they deceived Oher into signing a document that made them conservators rather than his adoptive parents, allegedly profiting from his success, per ESPN.
Oher's lawsuit claims that he only recently discovered that the Tuohys did not legally adopt him, a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the public perception of the story. The narrative, popularized by the film that earned Sandra Bullock an Academy Award for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy, is now under scrutiny.
In response to these allegations, Sean Tuohy, Michael Oher's supposed adoptive father, expressed his family's deep hurt. "We are going to keep loving Michael," he said, adding that the allegations have "devastated" his family, via the Daily Memphian.
The legal document filed by Oher sheds light on the claims that the Tuohys allegedly manipulated him into a conservatorship arrangement when he was just 18 years old.
This arrangement, he claims, allowed the family to capitalize on his name and success. The lawsuit, filed in Shelby County, Tennessee, exposes a narrative far different from the movie that captivated audiences a decade ago.
Oher expressed his disappointment and emphasized his desire for privacy during this challenging time. "I am disheartened by the revelation shared in the lawsuit today," he stated. "This is a difficult situation for my family and me. I want to ask everyone to please respect our privacy at this time."
The conservatorship, which Oher agreed to in 2004, was initially presented as a means to facilitate his football career at the University of Mississippi. Sean Tuohy defends the arrangement, explaining that it was put in place to ensure Oher's eligibility to play college football.
Contrary to popular belief, the lawsuit alleges that the family significantly profited from the success of The Blind Side. The film, based on a Michael Lewis book, grossed over $309 million.
Oher claims that the conservatorship enabled the Tuohys to negotiate a deal that granted them substantial royalties, including $225,000 each along with a share of "defined net proceeds," for their role in inspiring the story.
Oher's legal filing also points out that he received no compensation from the film, which recounted his journey from homelessness to becoming an NFL draft pick. Furthermore, he asserts that his rights to his life story were transferred to 20th Century FOX without his agreement.
The lawsuit calls for an end to the conservatorship and an injunction against the Tuohys using Oher's name and likeness. The former football star also seeks a full accounting of the money earned by the family through his story.
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