In a stunning revelation that has rocked the entertainment world, newly filed court documents reveal that the Tuohy family paid former NFL star Michael Oher a sum of $138,311.01 for his rights to “The Blind Side.”
This heartwarming and inspiring story of Oher’s life served as the inspiration for the Oscar-nominated film, but the financial details behind the scenes have remained a well-kept secret until now.
A Long Journey: Michael Oher and the Tuohy Family
It all began in 2004 when Michael Oher was just 18 years old. At that time, he signed a conservatorship agreement that granted the Tuohy family, including Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy and their two children, Collins Tuohy and Sean Tuohy Jr., control over his finances.
Living with the Tuohy family and playing high school football, Michael’s life took a remarkable turn, serving as the real-life inspiration for the 2009 film.
The $138,000 Revelation
In a court filing dated April 17, 2023, Michael Oher’s legal team unveiled the details of the payments he received from the Tuohy family. The sum, a total of $138,311.01, was paid in ten installments over a span of 16 years, commencing in 2007.
The final payment of $8,480.10 was made in April 2023. It’s important to note that Oher received one-third of the final sum after a 10% commission was deducted, while the remaining two-thirds have yet to clear the Tuohys’ bank accounts.
The Controversy Unveiled
Michael Oher’s petition to terminate his conservatorship with the Tuohy family, granted in September, brought to light a significant discrepancy. He claimed that Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, along with their two children, made millions of dollars from “The Blind Side.”
The film, based on the 2006 book of the same name, revolved around the Tuohy family’s act of taking Oher in and helping him academically and athletically. Oher alleged that all four members of the family received $225,000 for the film and 2.5% of the film’s earnings. Shockingly, he discovered that he was the only one not receiving royalty checks from the movie.
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The Tuohy Family’s Response
In a statement, the Tuohy family and Alcon Entertainment, which produced “The Blind Side,” firmly denied Oher’s claim. According to them, Michael Oher and the four Tuohy family members collectively received approximately $767,000 in payments through their talent agency for the film.
The Impact of “The Blind Side”
Released in 2009, “The Blind Side” became a massive success, grossing $330 million at the box office. It continued to generate revenue over the years, earning its place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. The movie’s portrayal of Michael Oher’s remarkable journey from a troubled youth to an NFL star captured the essence of perseverance and family bonds.
The revelation of the $138,000 payment to Michael Oher by the Tuohy family for his rights to “The Blind Side” has shed new light on a story that has long captivated our hearts. This shocking revelation will undoubtedly fuel discussions about fairness and compensation in the entertainment industry. As the legal saga unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how it impacts the legacy of this inspirational film and the real-life journey of Michael Oher.
