Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the family famously portrayed in the movie “The Blind Side,” have expressed their intention to terminate their conservatorship over former NFL lineman Michael Oher. Oher, known for his compelling life story that inspired the film, recently discovered the truth behind his conservatorship and is now seeking its termination, as well as reimbursement for any financial gains made by the Tuohy family through his name and likeness.
An Unveiled Deception
Oher, now 37 years old, filed a petition in a Tennessee probate court, accusing the Tuohys of deceiving him during his teenage years. He believed that they were his adoptive parents, while in reality, he signed papers that declared them as his conservators. This revelation prompted Oher’s call for justice and retribution.
Allegations of Self-Enrichment
Oher firmly believes that the Tuohys profited at his expense, exploiting his name and story for personal gain. He is demanding fair compensation for all the monetary benefits derived from his life’s narrative, including earnings from the highly-successful Sandra Bullock film adaptation.
The Lawyers Speak
During a news conference, Steve Farese, one of the Tuohys’ lawyers, adamantly insists that money is not the motivation behind their actions. He confidently states, “They don’t need his money. They’ve never needed his money. Mr. Tuohy sold his company for $220 million.” Farese’s sentiments are echoed by Randall Fishman, another attorney representing the Tuohy family, who claims that Oher has already received all the financial support entitled to him.
A Decade of Estrangement
In addition to these legal battles, it is revealed that the Tuohys and Oher have been estranged for approximately ten years, further adding to the complexity and emotional weight of this ongoing dispute.
It is important to note that Oher’s representatives have not yet provided a response to inquiries seeking their comments on the matter.
For further understanding of the legal context, consider reading about the distinction between conservatorship and adoption in the Michael Oher case.
Conservatorship and Adoption: Understanding the Differences
Although similar in some aspects, it is essential to differentiate conservatorship from adoption. Adoption occurs when an adult chooses to legally become the guardian of a child. By doing so, the adult assumes “the rights and obligations of a parent,” as stated by Cornell Law. The guardian is responsible for overseeing the well-being and welfare of the child. It’s worth noting that despite Michael Oher signing adoption papers when he was 18 years old, adoption could have still been a possibility for him.
The recent news about Michael Oher’s petition for conservatorship has left his adoptive family devastated. Sean Tuohy expressed his sadness, stating, “It’s upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children. But we’re going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16.”
Michael Oher rose to prominence after being chosen in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Over the course of his eight-year professional football career, he earned more than $34 million. Despite his success, Oher has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with how he was portrayed in the movie “The Blind Side.” He believes that the film’s portrayal of his abilities, specifically depicting him as someone who couldn’t read or write, negatively impacted his NFL career.
It is important to understand the differences between conservatorship and adoption, as each has its own distinct purpose and legal implications.
The Associated Press contributed
