Former NFL participant Michael Oher’s story was instructed in The Blind Facet — which depicted a rich household, the Tuohys, adopting him. Fourteen years later, Oher claims the Tuohys faked his adoption and stole his movie royalties.
The Blind Facet confirmed the adoption of Michael Oher by the Tuohys, main him to play for the Baltimore Ravens. It turned a Greatest Image nominee on the 82nd Academy Awards, with Sandra Bullock delivering an acclaimed efficiency. Her function as Leigh Anne Tuohy earned her an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a SAG award. Nonetheless, ESPN says the previous offensive sort out petitioned on Monday that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy by no means adopted him as instructed. Somewhat, the couple allegedly tricked Oher into signing a conservatorship doc giving them authority over enterprise issues in his identify.
“The lie of Michael’s adoption is one upon which Co-Conservators Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves on the expense of their Ward, the undersigned Michael Oher,” because the authorized submitting states. “Michael Oher found this deceive his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he realized that the Conservatorship to which he consented on the premise that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy household, in truth supplied him no familial relationship with the Tuohys.”
Additional allegations declare the Tuohys used the conservatorship to take Oher’s film royalties. The Blind Facet remodeled $300 million and the previous Baltimore Ravens participant apparently received nothing from it. But, the Tuohys and their two beginning youngsters reportedly profited to the tune of $225,000 and a couple of.5 % of the movie’s proceeds. Oher’s petition asks the courtroom to finish the Tuohys’ conservatorship, cease them from utilizing his identify and story, and obtain a justifiable share of the earnings.
What Do the Tuohys Need to Say About Michael Oher’s Petition?
Sean Tuohy instructed the Each day Memphian that he was shocked by Oher’s allegations. He claimed the household didn’t make a revenue out of The Blind Facet, however only a share of the proceeds from the ebook it was primarily based on. “We’re devastated,” he mentioned. “It’s upsetting to assume we might make cash off any of our kids. However we’re going to like Michael at 37 identical to we beloved him at 16.”
Steve Farese, the Tuohys’ legal professional, declined to remark to ESPN. He mentioned the household will file a authorized response to the allegations within the coming weeks.