The film that gave Sandra Bullock the Oscar is involved in controversy. The film tells the story of a privileged American family, who adopt an African-American teenager who had a difficult life, and help him reach his full potential until he becomes an NFL player. A possible dream It is based on the “extraordinary true story” of michael oher and the tuohy familyhowever, a recent demand for Oher against his “adoptive family” shows that not everything is what it seems.
On August 14, Oher filed a document with the Tennessee court in which he recounted that Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy never adopted it. In reality, they tricked him into signing papers, as soon as he turned 18, which they recognized legally to the Tuohy as your custodians to do business on your behalf, including the deal that allowed the film to be made. Said film grossed more than $300 million dollars and brings significant royalties to the Tuohy family.
“Michael’s adoption lie is one with which co-custodians Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their protégé.signing Michael Oher below”, can be read in the document brought before the court (via ESPN). “Michael Oher discovered this lie to his discomfort and embarrassment in February 2023, when he learned that the custody leave he agreed to by leading him to believe they would make him part of the Tuohy family did not actually provide him with any family relationship to the Tuohys. ”.
Read on – A possible dream: Michael Oher sues the Tuohy family for getting rich at his expense
Oher grew up with 11 siblings and a mother with a severe addiction problem. At age 10, he was placed in foster care, so he spent most of his teenage years moving from house to house on a temporary basis, including the Tuohy residence. At 17 years old, a friend of his biological father contacted the principal of a private Christian school in Memphis, who was impressed by this prodigy of sport According to the lawsuit, it was when his football accomplishments drew the attention of recruiters that the Tuohys became closer to Michael, inviting him to move in with them and telling him they had plans to adopt him.
“Mike’s relationship [Oher] with the Tuohy family began to deteriorate when he discovered that he was portrayed as having no intelligence in the film. Their relationship continued to worsen when he found out that he was the only member of the family not receiving royalties from the feature film, and was permanently fractured when she realized she wasn’t adopted and isn’t part of the familyrecounted Michael’s attorney, J. Gerard Stranch IV.
The difference between adoption and custody is important. Adoption would have allowed Michael, in addition to being part of the Tuohy family, to retain the power to take care of his own finances. In contrast, custody gives Leigh Anne and Sean the authority to manage Michael’s financial affairs, even though Michael is in full physical and psychological power to do so himself.
Read on – A possible dream: Michael Oher sues the Tuohy family for getting rich at his expense
Therefore, the legal document asks the court to end custody and place an order on the Tuohy family prohibiting them from using Michael’s name and likeness. Also, it is requested a review of all the money the family has earned using the name Oher so that the Tuohys pay him the corresponding profits; as well as compensation for damages. Among other economic benefits, A possible dream meant $225 thousand dollars for each of the Tuohy: Leigh Anne, Sean and their two biological children; plus 2.5% of the film’s net profits.
For his part, the Tuohy family lawyer stated that there will be a legal response from him in the coming weeks. However, Sean Tuohy already shared with him Daily Memphian the following statement:
“We are devastated. It is disturbing to think that we would make money at the expense of any of our children. But we will love Michael at 37 just as we love him at 16.”
It remains to be seen whether the court will rule on Michael’s petition. A possible dream is available on HBO Max and Prime Video.