SHELBY COUNTY, TENNESSEE: When 'The Blind Side' debuted in 2009, its touching narrative, rooted in real-life events, resonated with audiences worldwide. However, the film's uplifting portrayal has been shaken by recent revelations.
Michael Oher, the inspiration behind the movie, has come forward alleging that he was deceived by his "adoptive" parents Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, whose actions deprived him of earnings from the film's success while they reaped substantial profits.
The movie, celebrated for its heartwarming story, starred Sandra Bullock and garnered significant acclaim and box office success. It told the tale of a wealthy white couple's support in transforming a homeless black teenager into an accomplished NFL athlete.
Why is Michael Oher suing his adoptive parents?
Now, Oher has taken legal action against the Tuohys, claiming that they fabricated the story of adopting him as a teenager, per Daily Mail. Oher is currently claiming that he was misled into signing a document that appointed the Tuohys as his conservators.
As the lawsuit unfolds and allegations come to light, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy's earnings and net worth are now under the scanner.
What is Sean Touhy's net worth?
Sean Tuohy's estimated net worth for the year 2023 is an impressive $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth has primarily been amassed through his roles as a sports commentator and restaurateur. The site claims he has ownership of over 100 restaurants.
Sean reportedly owned approximately 115 franchise locations for brands like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver’s, and KFC at one point alongside his wife. Over time, they sold the majority of these franchises through multiple transactions.
Sean's career as a sports commentator has also contributed significantly to his success. He has been involved with institutions like Ole Miss and the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.
Additionally, Sean and his family were the subject of the 2006 book 'The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game' by Michael Lewis, which delved into the Tuohys' relationship with NFL star Michael Oher. This story was later adapted into a film in 2009, with Sean portrayed by singer Tim McGraw.
What is Leigh Anne Touhy's net worth?
Leigh Anne Tuohy's net worth is also an impressive $50 million, matching her husband's. Their combined net worth reaches a remarkable $100 million.
Leigh Anne is known as an American businesswoman and interior designer. She gained recognition as a member of the design team on the reality TV series 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition', which aired on ABC.
Touhys react to Michael Oher's lawsuit
The Tuohy family is responding to Oher's 14-page legal filing submitted in Shelby County, Tennessee.
In the petition, the former NFL star contends that the Tuohys never formally adopted him. The lawsuit also states that the Tuohy family profited significantly from the royalties of 'The Blind Side' film.
Sean and his son Sean Jr have addressed the explosive claims. Sean said that the family is "devastated" over the allegations, per E Online. "It’s upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children," he commented. "But we’re going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16."
On the other hand, Sean Jr displayed empathy toward his adopted brother. "I completely understand," he said, but he refuted the allegations that his family earned millions from the proceeds of 'The Blind Side'.
