Michael Oher Lawsuit, What the Blind Side Star Claims the Tuohy Family Did
Former NFL player Michael Oher filed a lawsuit in August 2023 against Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, saying they tricked him into signing conservatorship papers instead of adoption documents. The conservatorship ended in September 2023, but the legal fight over money continues as of January 2026.
What Michael Oher Says Happened
Oher found out in February 2023 that the papers he signed at age 18 in 2004 weren’t adoption papers. They were conservatorship documents. This gave the Tuohys complete control over his business deals and financial decisions. The lawsuit says the Tuohys made money from movie royalties and speaking events while Oher got nothing, even though the story was about his life.
The former Baltimore Ravens tackle thought he was becoming part of the Tuohy family. Instead, he gave up his right to negotiate contracts or make his own business decisions without knowing it.
Who Filed the Lawsuit and Who’s Being Sued
Michael Oher filed the case in Shelby County, Tennessee probate court. He’s suing Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the wealthy Memphis couple who took him into their home during high school. Their story became the 2009 Oscar-winning film “The Blind Side,” which made over $300 million worldwide.
What Oher Wants from the Court
Oher’s lawsuit asks for several things:
- End the conservatorship (court granted this in September 2023)
- Stop the Tuohys from using his name and image
- Full records of all money made from his story
- Money damages for what happened
- Payment for his legal fees
The case claims fraud, lying about the conservatorship, breaking their duty to protect him, unfair enrichment, and emotional harm.
The Movie Money Dispute
Court papers show the Tuohys made a deal through Creative Artists Agency in September 2006. Each family member got $225,000 plus 2.5% of future earnings. In November 2023, the Tuohys filed documents showing they split the proceeds five ways, with each person getting $138,309.90. Oher says he never agreed to this split and didn’t receive equal payments.
The Tuohys claim they always intended to share the money equally. Oher says they told him no one would make money from the film when they convinced him to sign the conservatorship papers.
When the Conservatorship Started and What It Meant
Oher was three months past his 18th birthday when he signed the conservatorship in August 2004, just before starting college at Ole Miss. Under Tennessee law, conservatorships are typically for people who can’t make decisions for themselves due to disability or incapacity.
The document gave the Tuohys power to make all contracts and business decisions on Oher’s behalf. Oher says he thought he was signing adoption papers to officially join their family. He claims the Tuohys and their lawyers never explained what a conservatorship actually was.
What the Tuohys Say About the Lawsuit
The Tuohys deny the accusations. Their lawyers say the conservatorship was necessary for NCAA eligibility rules because Oher was living with them and playing football at Ole Miss, where Sean Tuohy played basketball and served as a booster. They claim a conservatorship made Oher’s living situation compliant with NCAA regulations.
Sean Tuohy told media outlets in August 2023 that the family is “devastated” by the lawsuit. He said they didn’t make much money from the film and always planned to share everything equally. The Tuohys maintain they love Oher like a son and never intended to profit from him.
The Current Status of the Case
As of January 2026, the conservatorship has been terminated, but the lawsuit continues. The Shelby County Probate Court ended the conservatorship on September 29, 2023, stating it should never have been granted for a man without disabilities.
The financial claims are still pending. Both sides are in the discovery phase, where lawyers exchange documents and take depositions. No trial date has been set yet. The case could take months or years to resolve through trial or settlement.
How Much Money Is at Stake
The exact amount Oher is seeking isn’t specified in the petition. Court documents show the Tuohys received $138,309.90 each from movie proceeds. Oher’s lawyers argue this represents only a fraction of what the family earned from speaking engagements, book deals, and other opportunities that came from his life story.
Leigh Anne Tuohy wrote a book and became a motivational speaker after the movie’s success. Sean Tuohy also gave paid speeches about the family’s story. Oher claims he never consented to this use of his life and never received compensation for these appearances.
What Happened to Oher’s NFL Earnings
Oher played eight seasons in the NFL and earned approximately $34 million in salary. The conservatorship didn’t control his NFL contracts, which he negotiated through his own agent. The lawsuit focuses specifically on money made from “The Blind Side” story and related business opportunities.
Why the Conservatorship Matters for NCAA Athletes
Oher’s case raised questions about how conservatorships can be used in college athletics. NCAA rules prevent athletes from receiving benefits that other students don’t get. The Tuohys’ lawyers argued the conservatorship legitimized Oher’s living situation under these rules.
Legal experts who reviewed the case say this explanation doesn’t hold up. The NCAA allows host families for student athletes without requiring conservatorships. Critics argue the arrangement gave the Tuohys unnecessary control over Oher’s life and future earnings.
What This Means for People in Similar Situations
Anyone who signed legal documents as a young adult should review what they agreed to. Conservatorships are serious legal arrangements that take away fundamental rights. Tennessee law requires clear evidence of incapacity before granting one.
If you think someone exploited you through a conservatorship or similar legal arrangement, talk to a lawyer. Most states have time limits for filing these cases, called statutes of limitations. Tennessee allows claims for fraud within three years of discovering the deception.
How This Compares to Other Conservatorship Cases
The most famous recent conservatorship case involved pop star Britney Spears, whose father controlled her life and finances for 13 years. Her case ended in 2021 after a public campaign to “Free Britney” exposed problems with the conservatorship system.
Oher’s situation differs because he was allegedly deceived about what he was signing. The Spears case focused on whether she still needed the conservatorship. Both cases highlight how these arrangements can be misused.
What Documents You Need If This Affects You
If you’re in a conservatorship you didn’t understand or agree to:
- Get copies of all documents you signed
- Request an accounting of all money handled in your name
- Collect evidence of what you were told when you signed
- Save any communications about the arrangement
- Document any money made using your name or story
Tennessee courts require conservators to file annual accountings showing all money received and spent. You have the right to see these records.
Should You Contact a Lawyer?
Yes, if you think someone used a conservatorship or similar legal tool to control your life or profit from your story. Many lawyers offer free consultations for these cases. Some work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.
Look for attorneys who handle:
- Conservatorship abuse cases
- Exploitation and fraud claims
- Fiduciary duty violations
- Right of publicity cases
What Happens Next in the Oher Case
The case will likely continue through 2026. Both sides will exchange financial records and give depositions under oath. If they don’t settle, a Tennessee judge or jury will decide whether the Tuohys deceived Oher and owe him money.
Oher has already achieved one goal: ending the conservatorship. The remaining question is whether he’ll recover damages for the years the Tuohys controlled his business affairs and profited from his story.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Michael Oher Lawsuit
Is Michael Oher still playing in the NFL?
No, Oher retired from professional football in 2017 after playing eight seasons with the Ravens, Titans, and Panthers.
Did the Tuohys legally adopt Michael Oher?
No. Despite what many people believed after watching “The Blind Side,” the Tuohys never adopted Oher. They put him under a conservatorship instead.
How much did the Tuohys make from The Blind Side movie?
According to documents filed in November 2023, each family member received $138,309.90 from movie proceeds. The Tuohys say this is all they made from the film.
When did Michael Oher find out about the conservatorship?
Oher says he discovered he wasn’t adopted in February 2023 when he requested a copy of his adoption papers for his own children.
Can Oher still win money even though the conservatorship ended?
Yes. The conservatorship termination is separate from his claims for damages. He’s asking the court to make the Tuohys pay for the money they allegedly made from his story.
What is a conservatorship supposed to be for?
Conservatorships are meant for people who can’t make decisions due to disability, illness, or advanced age. Courts are supposed to use them only when necessary to protect vulnerable people.
Did Michael Oher get any money from The Blind Side?
According to Oher’s lawsuit, he received nothing from the movie. The Tuohys claim they gave him money, but haven’t provided proof of equal payments.
Is the movie The Blind Side still accurate?
The movie took creative liberties with Oher’s story. Oher has said for years that some scenes didn’t happen the way they were shown. The lawsuit claims the Tuohys’ role in his life was exaggerated.
What does this mean for the Tuohy family’s reputation?
The lawsuit has damaged the family’s public image. They were celebrated for years as examples of generosity and kindness. Now they face accusations of exploiting a vulnerable teenager.
Can conservatorships be used this way legally?
No. Tennessee law requires evidence of incapacity before granting a conservatorship. The judge who ended Oher’s conservatorship said it should never have been approved for someone without disabilities.
This article provides general information about the Michael Oher lawsuit based on public court filings and news reports as of January 2026. It is not legal advice. If you have questions about a conservatorship or believe someone exploited you, consult a qualified attorney in your state.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah