Michael Oher Alleges Deception and Misrepresentation by Adoptive Family
Michael Oher, the former NFL star and inspiration for the film “The Blind Side,” claims that his adoptive family misled him by making him believe he was legally adopted. Oher, who had a troubled upbringing, found stability when he was taken in by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy as a teenager in Memphis, Tennessee. However, nearly 20 years later, Oher discovered that the conservatorship arrangement he had entered into did not legally make him a member of the Tuohy family.
Conservatorships are legal arrangements that grant third parties control over a person’s ability to make decisions regarding contracts and medical matters, thereby stripping them of their civil rights.
The Tuohys, who gained fame and recognition through the success of “The Blind Side,” a book by Michael Lewis that was turned into an Academy Award-winning film, used their platform to advocate for adoption and foster care. Leigh Anne Tuohy even founded the Making It Happen Foundation to support underprivileged youths and promote adoption.
However, Oher’s recent petition to end the conservatorship reveals that financial gain was involved in his relationship with the Tuohys. Oher alleges that the couple received substantial financial compensation, including pay and charitable donations, while he received no payment for the rights to his life story.
In response to Oher’s allegations, the Tuohys’ attorney denies any wrongdoing and claims that they have always been transparent with Oher about the conservatorship arrangement.
In his memoir, Oher expressed disappointment with how “The Blind Side” misrepresented him and drew attention away from his true character. He felt that the film portrayed him as unintelligent, despite his own pride in his intelligence.
Despite the current legal dispute, Oher’s former adoptive family hopes for reconciliation and regrets the breakdown in their relationship.
As the case unfolds, Oher’s attorney expresses confidence in the justice system and believes that the truth will emerge in court.