Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the couple known for taking in Michael Oher when he was in high school, have responded to allegations of trickery and profiting off Oher’s story. In a court filing, the Tuohys vehemently denied exploiting Oher and forging his signature on film negotiations.
Oher, a former Ole Miss and NFL offensive lineman, had previously filed a petition in August, accusing the Tuohys of lying about adopting him and using conservatorship to benefit themselves financially.
However, the Tuohys’ attorneys stated that both parties received $100,000 each from the movie’s proceeds. Additionally, they revealed that their foundation received a $200,000 donation, while Oher had the opportunity to receive the same amount but failed to take the necessary action to initiate the foundation.
The Tuohys did admit to referring to Oher as their adopted son but clarified that it was meant in a colloquial sense and not with any legal implication.
Oher’s conservatorship with the Tuohys began in 2004 and granted them legal authority over his business deals, including those related to the film adaptation of his life, “The Blind Side.” Oher, now 37 years old, seeks to terminate the conservatorship.
According to Oher’s petition, the Tuohys negotiated a deal with Twentieth Century Fox that secured them and their two birth children $225,000 each, along with a percentage of the film’s net proceeds. “The Blind Side” grossed over $300 million. Oher claims to have no memory of signing a contract that seemingly gave away the rights to his story without compensation.
“The lie of Michael’s adoption is one upon which Co-Conservators Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their Ward, the undersigned Michael Oher,” the petition stated.
Oher, who was the No. 23 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, retired in 2017 after playing for three teams and winning a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.