Michael Oher Alleges Adoption Lie in The Blind Side
Deception and Betrayal
Former NFL player Michael Oher, the inspiration behind the heartwarming tale of adoption and athletic triumph depicted in The Blind Side, has come forward to allege that the story at the core of the popular book and movie was a lie. Oher claims that he was never adopted by the Tuohy family, but instead was deceived into making them his conservators shortly after turning 18.
A Tale of Financial Exploitation
Oher’s petition asserts that as conservators, the Tuohys were able to sign lucrative deals, earning millions of dollars for themselves and their birth children, while excluding Oher from any financial benefits. The family allegedly profited from the royalties generated by The Blind Side, which grossed over $300 million at the box office, while Oher received nothing for a story that relied heavily on his own life experiences.
“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 claimed.
Oher discovered this deceit in February 2023, learning that the conservatorship he consented to did not grant him a familial relationship with the Tuohys, contrary to what he believed. Despite these allegations, the Tuohys continue to refer to Oher as their son, and Leigh Anne Tuohy often shares The Blind Side story in her motivational speaking engagements.
A Call for Justice
Oher’s petition seeks to terminate the Tuohys’ conservatorship and prevent them from using his name and image for their own promotion. He also seeks financial compensation for the royalties and monetary gains that the family obtained based on his story.
“All monies made in said manner should in all conscience and equity be disgorged and paid over to the said ward, Michael Oher,” the petition states.
If Oher had indeed been legally adopted by the Tuohys, he would have had control over the finances related to the film. However, as a ward under a conservatorship, Oher relinquished that control to the Tuohys.
A Devastating Revelation
In his 2011 memoir, Oher mentioned that the Tuohys had explained to him that conservatorship and adoption were essentially the same thing, with the only distinction being the legal implications due to his age. It wasn’t until after retiring from the NFL in 2016 that Oher examined the conservatorship documents, at which point he discovered that there was no evidence of adoption by the Tuohys.
Oher’s lawyer, J Gerard Stranch IV, stated that the revelation devastated Oher, who had grown up without a stable family life. The news shattered the belief that he had finally found a loving family in the Tuohys.
The Problematic Depiction in The Blind Side
A “White Savior” Narrative
While The Blind Side was a commercial success, critics argued that it perpetuated the problematic narrative of a “white savior” coming to the aid of a Black individual. The story played into negative racial stereotypes and presented a whitewashed version of reality. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described the film as “a Photoshopped image of reality that is bland, parochial, and stereotypically acted.”
Impact on Oher’s NFL Career
Oher, who was portrayed as intellectually challenged in the movie, claims that the inaccurate depiction hindered his NFL career. He voiced frustrations that people judged his skills solely based on the film, failing to recognize his true athletic abilities.
Looking Towards Justice
Oher, who achieved significant success in the NFL, including winning a Super Bowl, earned $34 million throughout his football career. However, the lawsuit does not allege that the Tuohys took any of his NFL income.
This legal battle surrounding the alleged deception and financial exploitation in The Blind Side raises important questions about accountability and the ethical implications of profiting from someone’s life story without their consent. The case serves as a reminder to consider the complex issues surrounding adoption narratives, racial stereotypes, and the responsibility of storytellers.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Oher and his legal team will continue to seek justice, hoping to right the wrongs they believe have occurred.
<< photo by Guillaume de Germain >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
