Tuohy Family Michael Oher Lawsuit: The Tuohy family calls Michael Oher’s accusations of lying “outlandish” and “obviously ridiculous.” They believe the former football player has sued them before.
Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy and their lawyers (Randy Fishman, Martin Singer, and Steven Farese Sr.) wrote that the idea that their family’s relationship with the former Briarcrest Christian, Ole Miss, and NFL star was driven by anything other than altruism was “hurtful and absurd.”
Farese told The Commercial Appeal, “In reality, it’s both disheartening and upsetting.” He claimed the family is “in the early stages of their defense.” He also noted that the Tuohys are mentally battling this first attack. He was confident that things would settle up.
Monday’s Shelby County probate court motion by Oher ended the Tuohys’ power over his name and finances. This control made his life tale into a popular book and movie. The petition claims that Oher assumed the 2004 paperwork he signed was necessary for him to be adopted by the Tuohys, but he never received any money from the movie’s profits, while the Tuohys made millions. The Tuohys replied that the production business offered them a tiny advance and a small part of net earnings.
According to the petition, Oher was never formally adopted, and the Tuohys forged a deal with 20th Century Fox for a $225,000 one-time payment and 2.5% of the film’s net earnings for themselves and their original children.
“The proof is clear, as shown by profit share payments and studio financial reports: the Tuohys have always given Mr. Oher an equal share of all profits from ‘The Blind Side,” they claimed in their public statement.
READ MORE: Kevin Brown Suspension: A Symphony of Emotion and Defiance in Baltimore’s Baseball Saga
The Tuohys say Oher has sued them before. Last week, his latest book, “When Your Back’s Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned Through a Lifetime of Adversity,” was released.
The Tuohys added, “Mr. Oher has tried to do this kind of thing before in a way that wasn’t obvious to the public, but it looks like a few lawyers backed out once they looked at the evidence and realized how true it was.” Unfortunately, Mr. Oher has finally found a collaborator. He brought this silly case to attract publicity during his book tour.”
The Tuohys say Oher recently threatened them if they didn’t pay a big eight-figure sum. “Even in recent years, Oher refused to cash the small profit checks from the Tuohys, but they still put an equal amount into a trust account for his children,” the family alleged.
The Tuohys expressed sadness and were open to Oher’s request to end their guardianship. They also offered to reconcile with Oher. They stated they would safeguard their image, combat suspected extortion, and terminate this bad-mouthing litigation.
Oher’s Monday prepared statement indicated his sadness for the lawsuit’s revelations. My family and I are struggling. I kindly want privacy during this time. I’ll let the case speak for me.”
Also Read: Darren Kent Actor: A Talented British Actor Journey from Game of Thrones to EastEnders
Our Reader’s Queries
Did the Tuohys steal from Michael?
The Tuohy family refutes Oher’s claims and, as per court records filed in November, they assert that all earnings from the film were evenly distributed among every family member, Oher included, as well as the Tuohy’s two biological children. They state that Oher received slightly over $138,000 in total across 10 payments.
What was the Tuohy family accused of?
The petition claims that the Tuohys exploited their authority as conservators to negotiate a contract that resulted in them and their two biological children receiving millions of dollars in royalties from an award-winning movie that made over $300 million, while Oher received nothing despite his story being the inspiration for the film.
How much is the Tuohy family estate worth?
The Tuohy family’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million each, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. Sean Tuohy and Leigh Anne Tuohy have a combined wealth of more than $200 million. They have a significant stake in over a hundred well-known fast food franchises such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.
How much of the blind side is true?
According to documents from the court, Oher confirmed that the film accurately depicted him as a Black teen dealing with homelessness and moving between schools. However, he disputed the movie’s claim that he was adopted, stating that he actually went into a conservatorship.