Michael Oher accuses Tuohy family of financial exploitation

Michael Oher, the NFL player who inspired the film The Blind Side, has broken his silence following a lawsuit against the family that took him in. Oher’s life story gained international fame through the 2009 film, which highlighted the Tuohy family’s efforts to rescue him from a difficult living situation, welcome him into their home, and support his burgeoning football career.

The Blind Side was a box office success, grossing over $300 million. However, last year, Oher filed a court petition in Tennessee, disputing aspects of his relationship with the Tuohys. He claimed he was never adopted by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy but was instead misled into signing documents that made them his conservators. This arrangement granted them control over his finances and major life decisions, as well as the ability to broker business deals in his name.

According to Oher’s attorneys, the Tuohys exploited him to amass approximately $8 million over two decades. Oher sought to terminate the conservatorship, which has since been dissolved.

Michael Oher, is speaking out for the first time since filing a lawsuit against Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy that resulted in the termination of his conservatorship and alleged that the family exploited his likeness to make millions. #adoption #adopteevoiceshttps://t.co/u7xL1Eofju

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In an interview with an news agency, Oher discussed hearing the words “I love you” for the first time at 18 from Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. “When that happens at 18, you become vulnerable. You let your guard down and then you get everything stripped from you. It turns into a hurt feeling,” he said.

Now 38, Oher acknowledged the positive aspects of his time with the Tuohys, such as having his own bed, good food, and the freedom of a truck to drive. However, he believes The Blind Side misrepresented him, both as an athlete and a person.

Reflecting on his initial reaction to the film, Oher said, “It’s hard to describe my reaction. It seemed kind of funny to me, to tell you the truth, like it was a comedy about someone else. It didn’t register.”

Oher also discussed how the film affected his career, as it portrayed him in a way that led people to question his intelligence. “The NFL people were wondering if I could read a playbook,” he recalled. “If my kids can’t do something in class, will their teacher think, ‘Their dad is dumb — is that why they’re not getting it?’”

Oher stated that his football career and the mental strain from the situation delayed his legal action against the Tuohys. Now, he is focused on reclaiming his pre-The Blind Side personality. “I’m still working on it,” he said.

After Oher filed the lawsuit, Sean Tuohy expressed to The Daily Memphian that the family was devastated by the accusations. “It’s upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children,” he said. “But we’re going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16.”

While the conservatorship has ended, other parts of the lawsuit, including Oher’s request for monetary damages, are ongoing. The Tuohys argue they have the right to share their family story and have filed a motion to dismiss some claims, set for a hearing on October 1.

An attorney for the Tuohy family has been contacted for comment.