Retired NFL player Michael Oher has filed a petition in a Tennessee court, alleging that his portrayal in the 2009 movie "The Blind Side" does not accurately reflect his relationship with the Tuohy family. The Tuohy family, who were depicted as Oher's adoptive parents in the film, are accused of manipulating him into a conservatorship that allowed them to benefit financially at his expense. Oher is seeking an end to the conservatorship, an account of earnings from using his name, and a fair share of profits. Additionally, Oher claims the family exploited his story for personal gain, including a lucrative movie deal.
Allegations of Manipulation and Financial Exploitation:
Oher accuses the Tuohy family of deceiving him into a conservatorship during his high school years, granting them legal authority over his financial decisions. This alleged manipulation enabled the family, including their birth children, to negotiate a movie deal that resulted in millions of dollars in royalties from "The Blind Side." Oher asserts that he didn't receive any funds from the movie, despite its massive success.
Challenging Portrayal and Exploitation of Story:
The filing suggests that Oher's problems with the Tuohy family began with the way he was depicted in "The Blind Side." He claims the film inaccurately portrayed him as unintelligent and reliant on the family to learn football. Oher asserts that he had knowledge of the sport long before their involvement. Moreover, the family is accused of promoting their foundation using Oher's story and continuing to refer to him as their adopted son, despite the alleged manipulation.
Legal Actions and Emotional Impact:
In the court filing, Oher requests an end to the conservatorship, a halt to the use of his name and likeness, an account of earnings, and a "fair" share of profits. The filing also cites the emotional toll of discovering the alleged deceit, noting that Oher's already tumultuous upbringing was further affected by the revelation that he wasn't actually adopted.
Family's Response:
The Tuohy family denies the allegations and expresses their devastation at the accusations. Sean Tuohy, speaking on behalf of the family, asserts that they did not make significant money from the movie and that the funds were evenly distributed among family members, including Oher. He acknowledges feeling hurt by the allegations but maintains the family's willingness to respect Oher's wishes.
Michael Oher's legal petition sheds light on the discrepancies between his real-life experiences and the portrayal in the movie "The Blind Side." The case highlights the complexities of the relationships between public figures and their depiction in media, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding personal narratives and financial gain. The legal proceedings will likely continue to unfold as both parties seek to resolve the issues raised by Oher's claims.
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