Yahoo News “The Blind Side” subject Michael Oher's conservatorship with Tuohys terminated by judge
Former NFL player and The Blind Side subject Michael Oher's petition to terminate his conservatorship with Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy has been granted by a Tennessee judge.
Lawyers for both parties agreed Friday that the conservatorship, which was enacted in 2004 and allowed for the Tuohys to control Oher's finances, should come to an end, according to the Associated Press. However, the overarching case is ongoing. Oher has asked for a financial accounting of the Tuohys' assets gained from the agreement, in his petition accusing the two of using his name and likeness to enrich themselves while lying about his adoption.
Shelby County Probate Court Judge Kathleen Gomes reportedly said she was "disturbed" that such an agreement was reached in the first place, since conservatorships — which strip a person of decision-making power and duties — are often enacted in the case of medical condition or disability. Oher does not have any conditions or disabilities. "I cannot believe it got done," Gomes said.
Matthew Sharpe/Getty Images Sean Tuohy, Michael Oher, and Leigh Anne Tuohy
Oher signed the agreement when he was 18 and living with the Tuohys as a high school football star. Their story inspired the best-selling 2006 book The Blind Side and an Oscar-winning 2009 film adaptation. In the movie, Oher, a Black homeless teen played by Quinton Aaron, is taken in by the white Tuohys (Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw) and soon realizes his potential as a student and star athlete. Oher went on to play football at the University of Mississippi and for the Baltimore Ravens. (Bullock's performance earned her an Oscar for Best Actress.)
In his petition, Oher alleged that the adoption at the center of the film was fraudulent, that the Tuohys orchestrated the conservatorship for financial gain, and that the Tuohys and their children have all made royalties from the film — which grossed more than $300 million — while he has not. The Tuohys have denied the allegations that they've enriched themselves at Oher's expense, while Sean Tuohy has maintained that he was advised that adult adoption was not permitted and that the conservatorship complied with NCAA rules which allowed Oher to attend the University of Mississippi.
Representatives for Oher and the Tuohys didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment.
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