MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: In a recent interview on Mississippi Public Broadcasting, Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the 2009 film 'The Blind Side', revealed his complex feelings toward the Tuohy family, who adopted him.
While promoting his latest book, 'When Your Back's Against the Wall', the interview took an unexpected turn as Michael Oher discussed his upbringing, the impact of his story on his life, and his decision to file a lawsuit against his adoptive family.
He candidly shared how he faced difficulties early in life, resorting to unconventional means like selling newspapers and even shoplifting to meet his basic needs. These early struggles, as he described, shaped his character and forged a sense of determination within him.
Despite the legal action he's pursuing, Michael Oher expressed gratitude for the Tuohy family's support during a crucial phase of his life, according to DailyMail.
One of the most surprising revelations during the interview was Michael Oher's announcement of a legal petition against his adoptive family, the Tuohys.
Michael Oher alleged that he had been manipulated into signing a conservatorship agreement, granting Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy control over his financial and personal matters.
This arrangement allegedly allowed the Tuohys to profit from his name and likeness, a situation that Michael Oher is now seeking to rectify through legal means.
How much did Michael Oher get paid for 'The Blind Side'?
The narrative of Michael Oher, widely depicted in the film 'The Blind Side', revealed he was deceived into signing a conservatorship agreement by the Tuohy family. This agreement enabled them to benefit from his name and likeness.
Therefore, Michael Oher allegedly did not receive profits from the film. The Tuohy's allegedly constructed the movie deal to pay them and their two birth children substantial royalties as the film earned more than $300 million at the box office, reported Stylecaster.
Who are Michael Oher's adoptive parents?
Based on the 2006 book of the same name by Michael Lewis, the film tells the story of Michael Oher, an American football offensive lineman who overcame an impoverished upbringing to play in the National Football League (NFL). Michael Oher's adoptive parents are Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy.
In 'The Blind Side', Lee Anne Tuohy was portrayed by Sandra Bullock, while Sean Tuohy was played by Tim McGraw.
Who are Michael Oher's biological parents?
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael Oher emerged as one of twelve children to his mother Denise Michael Oher. His mother grappled with alcoholism and a crack cocaine addiction, while his father, Michael Jerome Williams, frequently found himself incarcerated.
Amid this tumultuous environment, Michael Oher experienced a dearth of attention and discipline during his formative years, leaving him without memories of any significant father-son bonding.
During his high school years, Michael Oher received the disheartening news of his father's demise while in prison. This revelation, however, took a painstaking three months to reach him, due in part to the time it took for proper identification to occur.
Interestingly, the movie 'The Blind Side' portrayed a narrative wherein Michael Jerome purportedly took his own life by leaping off a bridge.
In actuality, he was tragically caught in the midst of a prison altercation, dispelling the cinematic depiction.
In 2013, when Michael Oher won the Super Bowl with the Ravens, his biological mother was a guest of honor at a Super Bowl watch party in downtown Memphis.
At the time, Denise Oher asserted, “I’m proud of him. I love him and I’m going to give God all that praise for his success. I’m excited, I’ve been excited since they won. I knew he was going to be successful in sports.”
Who are Michael Oher's adoptive siblings?
Michael Oher's adopted siblings are Collins Tuohy and Sean Jr Tuohy
