Michael Oher, the renowned former NFL tackle who served as the inspiration for the movie “The Blind Side,” has recently filed a petition in a Tennessee probate court. In this petition, Oher accuses Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the couple who portrayed themselves as his adoptive parents, of deceit. He claims that they manipulated him into signing papers designating them as his conservators instead of his adoptive parents almost twenty years ago.
The allegations made by Oher are significant. He is seeking the termination of the conservatorship and a thorough investigation into the earnings generated from the use of his name and story. Furthermore, Oher demands appropriate remuneration, including interest.
According to the petition, the Tuohys have exploited and misrepresented their relationship with Oher. They have continued to falsely present themselves as his adoptive parents up until the time of the petition, causing Oher distress and embarrassment. It was not until February 2023 that Oher discovered this deceitful act, realizing that the conservatorship he had agreed to did not grant him a familial connection to the Tuohys.
Oher’s discontent with the movie depicting his life is well-known, and he is now seeking additional measures in the petition. He desires the court to sanction the Tuohys and hold them accountable for compensatory and punitive damages.
The lawyer representing the Tuohys, Steve Farese, has stated that they will respond to these allegations in court. However, no further comments have been provided. The Tuohys were served with the petition through three attorneys on Monday.
Leigh Anne Tuohy, when contacted through her personal website, did not immediately respond to the email. On the other hand, Sean Tuohy informed The Daily Memphian that the conservatorship was established to meet the requirements of the NCAA, as Oher was considering attending college at Mississippi, the Tuohys’ alma mater.
In response to Oher’s wishes, Sean Tuohy emphasized that they would terminate the conservatorship if that is what Oher truly desires. He expressed his devastation and stated that it is distressing to consider profiting off their children. However, he reaffirmed his unconditional love for Oher, both at the age of sixteen and now at the age of thirty-seven.
It is worth noting that the movie based on Oher’s life received significant recognition, including an Oscar nomination. Sandra Bullock, who portrayed Leigh Anne Tuohy, won an Academy Award for her role.
Oher accuses the Tuohys of failing to take legal action to assume custody from the Tennessee Department of Human Services during his childhood. The conservatorship documents were filed only after Oher turned eighteen in May 2004.
Oher moved in with the Tuohys shortly before his senior year of high school. He was instructed to address them as “Mom” and “Dad.” Oher explains in the petition that he was encouraged to call the attorney who filed the conservatorship paperwork “Aunt Debbie” Branan.
Oher also alleges that the Tuohys had him sign adoption-related paperwork immediately after he moved in. He claims that he was misled and informed that it would be referred to as a conservatorship due to his age, although the true intent behind the documents was adoption.
Notably, a book based on Oher’s life, authored by Michael Lewis, was released in September 2006. The petition claims that the conservators began negotiating contracts for movie rights.
The petition asserts that a deal was reached to compensate the Tuohys, along with their children Sean Jr. and Collins, with $225,000 and 2.5% of future defined net proceeds, contingent on Oher’s signature. According to the petition, a contract titled “Life Story Rights Agreement” was allegedly signed by Michael Oher on April 20, 2007.
Oher acknowledges that the signature appears similar to his own. However, he maintains that he never knowingly or willingly signed such a document. He claims that the contract was never presented to him or explained as a binding agreement.
In his petition, Oher requests a comprehensive examination of his assets and their utilization. Considering the substantial financial success resulting from his life story, he emphasizes that he did not receive any compensation for the rights to something that would not exist without him.
Michael Oher’s professional football career was noteworthy. He was selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2009 draft from Mississippi. Oher played five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, starting 110 games and winning a Super Bowl. He concluded his NFL journey with two years in Carolina.
In concluding the content, it is important to highlight the ongoing discussion around conservatorships and their potential harms. The public scrutiny of Brittany Spears’ conservatorship, which she fought to end, has drawn attention to the negative consequences of such strict controls on individuals’ lives, with advocates raising concerns about the balance between protection and personal freedom.
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