The Tuohy family members are addressing former NFL offensive lineman Michael Oher’s claims that they made millions by promoting a false story about adopting him, which inspired the film “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock.
Oher, 37, filed a petition in Tennessee asserting that he was never adopted by the family, but instead placed under a conservatorship. He alleged that the family misled him into signing documents for the conservatorship in 2004, falsely presenting it as an adoption. According to Oher, this allowed the Tuohys to profit millions from the 2009 film, while he received nothing.
However, Sean Tuohy, the patriarch of the Tuohy family, portrayed by Tim McGraw in the movie, denied Oher’s allegations. “We didn’t make any money off the movie,” he stated in an interview with the Daily Memphian. “Well, Michael Lewis [the book’s author] gave us half of his share. Everyone in the family received an equal share, including Michael. It was around $14,000 each.”
According to Sean Tuohy, he became aware of Oher’s accusations through a friend who shared an article on the matter. He clarified that the conservatorship was unrelated to the film but was intended to assist Oher during his recruitment by Ole Miss, where Sean Tuohy also played football and was an active booster. “They said the only way Michael could go to Ole Miss was if he was actually part of the family,” Tuohy explained. Since Oher was 18 at the time, the conservatorship served as a legal means to make it happen since he couldn’t be legally adopted. The family even went as far as including Oher’s biological mother in the court proceedings to ensure everything was done properly.
Tuohy stated that if Oher wishes to terminate the conservatorship now, he would be willing to do so. He also revealed a growing distance between Oher and the family over the past year and a half. “We’re devastated. It’s upsetting to think we would profit from any of our children,” he expressed. “But we will continue to love Michael at 37 just as we did at 16.”
Sean Tuohy Jr., his son, also voiced his thoughts on the allegations to Barstool Sports, saying, “I understand why he’s angry.” He acknowledged that the situation playing out in the public eye is unfortunate.
In Oher’s petition, he claimed that he received no compensation for “The Blind Side,” even though it depicts his journey from an unstable home and foster care to being taken in by the Tuohys, who provide him with a home, tutor, and ultimately pave the way for him to attend their alma mater and play in the NFL. Despite the movie being based on his life, Oher stated that only the Tuohys profited from its success, grossing $300 million.
Conservatorship expert Christopher Melcher commented on the case, highlighting the trust dynamics and adults surrendering power in conservatorship abuse situations. He emphasized that since Oher was an adult at the time, there was no reason for him to give up his rights.
Khristopher J. Brooks contributed to this report.
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