Michael Oher‘s Lawsuit Against Adoptive Family: The Real Story Behind ‘The Blind Side‘

Michael Oher, the former NFL player who was portrayed in the 2009 film ‘The Blind Side,’ has filed a lawsuit against his adoptive family, the Tuohys, for breach of contract and fraud. The lawsuit, filed in the Circuit Court of Shelby County, Tennessee, alleges that the Tuohys failed to fulfill their obligations under a 2004 agreement in which they agreed to provide Oher with financial support and other benefits in exchange for his services as a professional athlete.

The Adoption Agreement

The lawsuit claims that the Tuohys entered into an adoption agreement with Oher in 2004, when he was a teenager. At the time, Oher was a high school student who had been living with the Tuohys as a foster child. The agreement stated that the Tuohys would provide Oher with financial support, including a monthly stipend, health insurance, and other benefits, in exchange for his services as a professional athlete. The agreement also stated that the Tuohys would serve as Oher’s legal guardians and manage his finances until he turned 18.

The Lawsuit

Oher’s lawsuit alleges that the Tuohys failed to fulfill their obligations under the agreement. Specifically, the lawsuit claims that the Tuohys failed to provide Oher with the agreed-upon financial support, failed to manage his finances properly, and failed to serve as his legal guardians. The lawsuit also alleges that the Tuohys fraudulently induced Oher into entering into the agreement by making false promises about the benefits he would receive.

The Tuohys‘ Response

The Tuohys have denied the allegations in Oher’s lawsuit and have filed a counterclaim against him. In their response, the Tuohys argue that Oher’s claims are barred by the statute of limitations and that he has failed to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. The Tuohys also argue that they have fulfilled their obligations under the adoption agreement and that Oher has breached the agreement by failing to provide them with the services of a professional athlete.

The Impact of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit has sparked controversy and raised questions about the nature of the adoption agreement between Oher and the Tuohys. Some have criticized the Tuohys for allegedly exploiting Oher for their own financial gain, while others have defended them as loving and supportive parents who provided Oher with a stable home and opportunities he might not have otherwise had.

Conclusion

The lawsuit between Michael Oher and the Tuohys is a complex and controversial case that raises important questions about the nature of adoption agreements and the responsibilities of adoptive parents. As the case moves forward, it will be important to carefully consider the evidence and determine whether the Tuohys fulfilled their obligations under the adoption agreement or whether they breached their duties to Oher.