Michael Oher Alleges False Adoption in ‘The Blind Side’ Story: The Truth Behind the Inspirational Tale

“Michael Oher, whose life story was popularized in the book and movie ‘The Blind Side,’ has filed a petition in a Tennessee court alleging that the central feature of his tale is false. Oher claims that the Tuohy family, who are depicted as wealthy benefactors who adopted and supported him, never actually legally adopted him. Instead, he argues that they filed a conservatorship over him that kept millions of dollars from him. Oher’s lawyer has stated that the Tuohys will be issuing a statement on the matter. The allegations fit into Oher’s ongoing campaign to reclaim his story and correct the record on his life, as he has previously called out inaccuracies in the book and movie ‘The Blind Side.’ Oher emphasizes his own goals and work ethic in his memoir and praises those who supported him along the way. Born in Memphis into a family struggling with drug addiction, Oher became a ward of the state and faced numerous challenges throughout his childhood. However, his physical gifts and talents in football allowed him to excel and eventually earn a scholarship to the University of Mississippi. He was then drafted to the NFL by the Baltimore Ravens, where he enjoyed a successful career before retiring in 2016. The movie adaptation of his story was a box office success and received critical acclaim, earning Sandra Bullock an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy. Oher’s petition challenges the conservatorship papers he signed, believing them to be adoption papers, and claims that the Tuohys had total control over his ability to negotiate contracts, despite him being over 18 and without any diagnosed disabilities. The case will proceed through the court system, and further updates are expected.”