Per the petition, the conservatorship has allowed the Tuohys and their two birth children to rake in millions of dollars in royalties. They’ve also continued to call Oher their adopted son as a means of promoting the family’s “Making It Happen Foundation,” while bolstering Leigh-Anne’s side career as a motivational speaker. The legal filing reads thusly:
“The lie of Michael’s adoption is one upon which Co-Conservators Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their Ward, the undersigned Michael Oher. Michael Oher discovered this lie to his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he learned that the Conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys.”
Oher is seeking an end to the conservatorship, and an accounting of how much money the Tuohy’s have made off his name and likeness (which could get sticky if lawyers can take a look at the foundation’s books). He is also requesting his share of the profits, and an injunction against the family’s further attempts to capitalize on what appears to be a self-serving misrepresentation of his life story.
Previously, the Tuohys (who have yet to comment on the filing) have claimed they shared whatever profits they earned from the film with Oher. But it’s not just about the money for Oher — it’s about the movie and his how he was portrayed in it.