Sean Tuohy Deep Distress Following Allegations by Michael Oher

Former NFL player Michael Oher’s recent legal claims alleging the Tuohy family’s deception in his adoption have prompted a response from Sean Tuohy, the patriarch depicted by Tim McGraw in the 2009 film “The Blind Side.” The allegations center around the accusation that Sean and wife Leigh Anne Tuohy, portrayed by Sandra Bullock onscreen, manipulated Oher into signing a conservatorship agreement in 2004. This agreement granted the Tuohys legal authority to handle business matters on Oher’s behalf, sparking accusations of financial exploitation and profiting from their life story’s adaptation for the big screen.

Reacting to the filing on August 14, Sean Tuohy expressed his family’s deep distress regarding the allegations, asserting, “It’s distressing to think that we would profit from any of our children.” He further affirmed their unwavering love and commitment to Michael, highlighting that their devotion remained consistent over the years.

Addressing the financial aspect of the controversy, Sean clarified that the family did not reap significant financial benefits from the success of “The Blind Side.” Despite claims that the Tuohys received payments and a percentage of the film’s net proceeds, Sean asserted that the family equally shared the earnings with author Michael Lewis, indicating their commitment to ethical practices.

Before Michael Oher learned he wasn't actually adopted by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, he shared a close bond with his supposed family. https://t.co/VNlBOkDgJk

— Us Weekly (@usweekly) August 16, 2023

Sean provided insight into the origins of the conservatorship, explaining that the legal arrangement was pursued to facilitate Michael’s participation in college athletics, specifically football at the University of Mississippi. According to Sean, the Tuohys were advised by lawyers that they could not adopt someone over the age of 18, leading to the establishment of a conservatorship as an alternative means of formalizing their connection with Michael.

Sean expressed willingness to terminate the conservatorship if Michael desires, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring Michael’s well-being and autonomy.

On the opposing side, Michael Oher contends that the Tuohys misrepresented the conservatorship as a necessary step for his integration into the family. He alleges discovering the nature of the arrangement only recently, claiming that it failed to confer any genuine familial relationship, as he had believed. This revelation led to his belief that the Tuohys profited unjustly from the alleged deception.