Former NFL player Michael Oher has made legal claims against the Tuohy family, accusing them of deceiving him during his adoption. Sean Tuohy, the husband and father figure portrayed by Tim McGraw in the movie “The Blind Side,” has responded to these allegations. Oher’s claims focus on the accusation that Sean and his wife Leigh Anne Tuohy, played by Sandra Bullock in the film, manipulated him into signing a conservatorship agreement in 2004. This agreement granted the Tuohys legal authority to handle Oher’s business matters, leading to accusations of financial exploitation and profiting from their story’s adaptation for the big screen.
Sean Tuohy expressed his family’s distress regarding the allegations, stating, “It’s distressing to think that we would profit from any of our children.” He emphasized their unwavering love and commitment to Michael, which has remained constant over the years.
Addressing the financial aspect of the controversy, Sean clarified that the family did not benefit significantly from the success of “The Blind Side.” Despite claims that they received payments and a percentage of the film’s proceeds, Sean stated that the earnings were shared equally with author Michael Lewis, demonstrating their commitment to ethical practices.
Before Michael Oher learned he wasn’t actually adopted by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, he shared a close bond with his supposed family. https://t.co/VNlBOkDgJk
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) August 16, 2023
Sean provided insight into the origins of the conservatorship, explaining that it was pursued to facilitate Michael’s college athletic participation, specifically in football at the University of Mississippi. Due to legal limitations on adopting someone over the age of 18, the Tuohys were advised to establish a conservatorship as an alternative to formalize their relationship with Michael.
Sean expressed his willingness to terminate the conservatorship if Michael desires, underscoring his dedication to ensuring Michael’s well-being and autonomy.
On the other hand, Michael Oher maintains that the Tuohys misrepresented the conservatorship as a necessary step for him to fully integrate into the family. He claims to have recently discovered the true nature of the arrangement, which did not provide the genuine familial relationship he believed he had. This revelation has led him to believe that the Tuohys unjustly profited from the alleged deception.
