The Blind Side controversy: Michael Oher/Tuohy family conservatorship ends

Last Updated on October 3, 2023

The conservatorship between former NFL tackle Michael Oher and Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy – subjects of the 2009 Oscar-winning film The Blind Side – has ended. While this is just one move in the right direction for Michael Oher, the judge did not dismiss the case itself.

The case itself stems from Michael Oher claiming that the Tuohy family tricked him into signing paperwork that made Leigh Ann and Sean conservators, even though he says he was led to believe he would be legally adopted by the couple. Adding to this, Oher alleges that the Tuohys used this status as a way to ensure he could not be properly financially compensated for The Blind Side.

At the time, the filing stated, “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.” The Tuohys would fire back, saying everybody in the family was compensated equally at $14,000 apiece. Sean Tuohy also said that he would end the conservatorship if that was a desire of Michael Oher.

As reported, conservatorships are typically completed for those with disabilities, which Michael Oher does not have. Judge Kathleen Gomes, who made the decision, said, “I can’t believe it got done.”

While star Sandra Bullock – who played Leigh Anne Tuohy to Tim McGraw’s Sean – was reportedly upset that The Blind Side and her work have been “tainted” by the developments, actor Quinton Aaron – who played Michael Oher – stated, “My prayers go out to both parties, and I hope they could come to some kind of resolve that makes ’em whole, or just get past this without the complete destruction of their relationship.”

The Blind Side would earn Sandra Bullock the Best Actress Oscar, while the film itself was nominated for Best Picture.

What do you hope comes of the case between Michael Oher and the Tuohy family? Do you think The Blind Side is tainted by the ongoing story now surrounding its subjects?