Michael Oher vs. Tuohy family in 'The Blind Side' conservatorship: Here's what we know

There may not be a Hollywood ending to "The Blind Side." Not after this week.

Michael Oher, the former NFL star from Briarcrest Christian and Ole Miss, is taking the Tuohy family to court, alleging the story that became a best-selling book and blockbuster movie isn't what it seems. The Tuohy family has responded in kind and the war of words has started, turning this fairytale into a soap opera playing out for the whole country to see.

Here's what you need to know about this developing saga.

Why did Michael Oher take legal action against the Tuohy family?

Oher, 37, filed a petition in Shelby County probate court Monday seeking to end the conservatorship of his name and financial dealings with the Tuohy family, a relationship that led to a best-selling book and a blockbuster movie. Oher has requested the court prevent the Tuohys from using his name, image and likeness; that the court sanction them; and force the family to pay Oher all money that should have been his, plus interest, including royalties from the 2009 film, “The Blind Side.” 

Oher’s attorney stated in the court filing that the former NFL player was told to sign conservatorship papers told by the Tuohy family because it was “a necessary step" in the adoption process. But Oher claims he only recently discovered he was not actually adopted by the Tuohy family and instead alleges the family “enriched themselves” at his expense. He also states that he has received no money from “The Blind Side,” whereas he alleges the Tuohys have received millions of dollars.

What did the Tuohy family say about Oher’s allegations?

Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy responded Tuesday with a scathing statement through their attorneys. They called Oher’s claims of deceit “ridiculous” and alleged this isn’t the first time he has threatened them with legal action. The Tuohy family says it has given Oher an equal cut of their proceeds from the movie.

“Unbeknownst to the public, Mr. Oher has actually attempted to run this play several times before — but it seems that numerous other lawyers stopped representing him once they saw the evidence and learned the truth,” the Tuohys' statement reads. “Sadly, Mr. Oher has finally found a willing enabler and filed this ludicrous lawsuit as a cynical attempt to drum up attention in the middle of his latest book tour.”

According to the Tuohys, Oher recently threatened them "about what he would do unless they paid him an eight-figure windfall."

The Tuohys went on to note that they would not oppose ending the conservatorship if that’s what Oher wants.

Was Michael Oher adopted by the Tuohy family?

Apparently, no. Though Oher and the Tuohys have referred to one another as family at times, Oher was never legally adopted by the Tuohy family. Instead, he entered a conservatorship arrangement shortly after turning 18 years old in which, according to Oher, he unwittingly signed over decision-making power on his future contracts and financial dealings to the Tuohys.

When did Michael Oher conservatorship take place?

The conservatorship began in 2004 during Oher’s senior year of high school at Briarcrest Christian, when he was living with the Tuohy family and being recruited for a football scholarship. The Tuohy family insists they were advised it was the best option if Oher wanted to consider attending Ole Miss, where Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy are boosters.

OPINION: ‘The Blind Side’ story of Michael Oher is forever tainted — whatever version you believe

Is "The Blind Side" movie a true story?

The 2009 film is based on the book written by Michael Lewis three years earlier. But it’s more clear than ever the movie, and perhaps the book, took significant liberties with the actual story. Oher has said for years he did not like his portrayal in the movie as uneducated and a football novice. Contrary to how the movie presented it, Oher was already a talented multi-sport athlete at Briarcrest drawing college interest when he began staying with the Tuohy family ahead of his senior year. Lewis is a childhood friend of Sean Tuohy.

You can reach Commercial Appeal columnist Mark Giannotto via email at mgiannotto@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter: @mgiannotto

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Michael Oher vs Tuohys over conservatorship, 'Blind Side': What we know