Michael Oher's lawyers subpoena 'Blind Side' author Michael Lewis
Michael Oher's legal team subpoenaed Michael Lewis, author of the best-selling book that inspired the blockbuster film "The Blind Side," on Monday, according to court documents obtained by The Commercial Appeal.
Lewis, who is also a childhood friend of Sean Tuohy (one of Oher's former co-conservators, along with his wife, Leigh Anne Tuohy), is being ordered to produce all communications (physical and electronic) concerning Oher and the Tuohy family from the past 21 years. Per the terms of the subpoena, filed in Shelby County Probate Court, Lewis has until noon on Jan. 1, 2024, to produce everything in his possession, included but not limited to emails, texts, letters, audio recordings and voicemails.
The subpoena specifically requires Lewis to make available all documents (contracts, financial records and more) and communications concerning "The Blind Side" film, his book ("The Blind Side: Evolution Of A Game") and a New York Times article he wrote in 2006 (headlined, "The Ballad of Big Mike").
Oher's lawyers are also interested in Lewis' apparent access to the former Briarcrest Christian, Ole Miss and NFL offensive lineman's personal records. They have called for Lewis to produce "all documents and communications in your possession that you believe gave you permission to access Michael Oher's medical records, school records, records held by Shelby County Juvenile Court related to Michael Oher, records held by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services related to Michael Oher; or which you believe gave you permission to receive information from any individual employed by Briarcrest Christian School, employed by a public school in Shelby County, Tennessee, employed by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, employed by the Shelby County Juvenile Court, or employed by any Tennessee state agency serving minor children."
In an October 2023 article published by The Guardian, Lewis said Oher "didn't tell his story," adding he had to piece it together by digging.
"... and I did it all with his permission," Lewis added.
In August, Oher initiated legal action against the Tuohys, alleging the family he thought adopted him 2004, only did so to benefit financially. One of Oher's goals was to have a judge end the Tuohys' conservatorship over him. In October, the conservatorship was legally terminated.
Oher contends the Tuohys made have made millions off his name, image and likeness, thanks in large part to the success of "The Blind Side" and Lewis' best-selling book. He also claims he never received any money from the profits of the movie and book. The Tuohys, however, have counterargued that Oher received $138,309.90 − the same amount the four members of their family made. The family said when Oher refused to accept the money, the Tuohys say they deposited it into a shared account in his son's name.
Last week, the Tuohys alleged Oher has made multiple demands for eight-figure payouts (first $10 million, then $15 million) from them. On top of the financial demands, Oher sent text messages to the Tuohys (shown via screenshot in court documents) threatening to expose them and suggesting they work with FedEx founder and chairman Fred Smith, who is also the majority owner of Alcon Entertainment, a film production company, to come up with the money.
MICHAEL OHER: Michael Oher demands millions from Tuohys in text messages that include Fred Smith
When the legal saga began in August, Lewis weighed in on the controversy in an interview with The Washington Post.
“What I feel really sad about is I watched the whole thing up close,” he said. “(The Tuohys) showered him with resources and love. That he’s suspicious of them is breathtaking. The state of mind one has to be in to do that. I feel sad for him."
“Everybody should be mad at the Hollywood studio system,” Lewis continued. “Michael Oher should join the writers’ strike. It’s outrageous how Hollywood accounting works, but the money is not in the Tuohys’ pockets.”
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Michael Oher's lawyers subpoena 'Blind Side' author Michael Lewis
