Blind Side’ family yields to Michael Oher amidst legal dispute
‘Blind Side’ Family Makes Concession to Michael Oher Amid Legal Battle
A Memphis couple who took in former NFL player Michael Oher during his high school years has made a significant concession in their ongoing legal dispute over his finances.
Lawyer Randy Fishman informed a Memphis judge on Wednesday that any mention of Oher being adopted by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy will be immediately removed from public speaking materials and the couple’s websites.
These references to Oher’s adoption had been a crucial argument in his efforts to hold the Tuohys accountable for the money generated by the 2009 film “The Blind Side,” which focuses on Oher’s life and his relationship with the Tuohys.
In a court filing, Oher claimed that the Tuohys misled him into believing that they had legally adopted him when they entered into a conservatorship agreement in 2004, when he was 18 years old.
Last September, Shelby County Probate Judge Kathleen Gomes terminated the conservatorship, which granted the Tuohys control over Oher’s finances. Oher, who had a troubled childhood, signed the agreement while living with the couple as he was being recruited by colleges as a talented high school football player.
However, despite the conservatorship’s termination, the legal battle over the film’s earnings and Oher’s story persists.
Oher alleges that the Tuohys have exploited his name, image, and likeness for their own financial gain, while keeping him unaware of the financial transactions involving him. He previously requested that the judge prohibit the Tuohys from profiting off his name, image, and likeness.
Oher attended the recent probate court hearing, where Fishman assured the judge that the Tuohys would remove any adoption references. Oher did not speak during the hearing.
The Tuohys, who were already millionaires when they took Oher in, vehemently deny the claims that they enriched themselves at his expense. They consider these allegations part of a “shakedown” by Oher.
In their court filing, the couple asserts that they loved Oher like a son and provided him with food, shelter, clothing, and cars during his time with them. However, they deny ever stating their intention to legally adopt him.
The Tuohys admit that their websites referred to Oher as an adopted son, but they argue that it was only used colloquially and without any legal implications.
In a separate court filing, the Tuohys disclose that they received payments from 20th Century Fox, the film’s producer, and gave Oher one-third of the proceeds, totaling $138,311.
Oher disputes this filing, claiming that it fails to account for the millions generated from his public speaking engagements. He also accuses Sean Tuohy of withholding $2.5 million that Oher had entrusted to him for investment purposes.
A trial date for the case has yet to be scheduled.
Oher, who was drafted 23rd overall in 2009 from the University of Mississippi, enjoyed a successful NFL career. He spent his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, winning a Super Bowl. Oher played in 110 games over eight seasons and concluded his career with the Carolina Panthers.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post ‘Blind Side’ Family Makes Concession to Michael Oher Amid Legal Battle appeared first on The Western Journal.
How has the termination of the conservatorship impacted the legal battle between Oher and the Tuohys?
The couple’s lawyer also stated that they would no longer claim any authority over Oher’s finances or seek reimbursement for expenses incurred during his high school years.
This concession marks a significant development in the legal battle between Oher and the Tuohys. The mention of Oher’s adoption had been a crucial point in his efforts to hold the couple accountable for the profits generated by “The Blind Side.” Oher claims that the Tuohys misled him into believing that he was legally adopted when they entered into a conservatorship agreement in 2004. However, a probate judge terminated the conservatorship in September of last year.
Despite the termination of the conservatorship, the legal battle over the film’s earnings and Oher’s story continues. Oher alleges that the Tuohys have profited off his name, image, and likeness without his knowledge, and he has requested that the judge prohibit them from making any further financial gain from his story.
During the recent probate court hearing, Oher was present, and Fishman assured the judge that the Tuohys would remove any references to adoption from public materials and their websites. Furthermore, they will no longer claim authority over Oher’s finances or seek reimbursement for expenses incurred during his high school years.
It remains to be seen how this concession will impact the ongoing legal battle. Oher has been seeking justice and fair treatment for his involvement in “The Blind Side” and the financial transactions surrounding it. The film shed light on Oher’s life and his relationship with the Tuohys, but he contends that he was not fully aware of the financial arrangements and profits made from his story.
As this legal dispute continues, it raises important questions about the exploitation of athletes and individuals who find themselves in vulnerable situations. Oher’s story highlights the power dynamics at play and the need for transparency and fair treatment in these situations.
Oher’s case has garnered significant attention, and it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by those who find themselves caught up in the world of fame and fortune. It is hoped that this legal battle will result in a fair and just resolution that recognizes Oher’s rights and ensures transparency and accountability moving forward.
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