‘Blind Side’ producers reveal payments to Oher and Tuohys to counter ‘mischaracterizations’.
The Blind Side Producers Respond to Controversy Surrounding Michael Oher’s Claims
The producers of the film “The Blind Side” are addressing the recent controversy sparked by former NFL player Michael Oher’s allegations that he was deceived into signing away his rights to the profits from the story of his life.
Oher’s inspiring journey from poverty to becoming an All-American offensive tackle at Ole Miss and a first-round NFL draft pick was depicted in the 2009 film based on the book “I Beat the Odds.”
In a recent statement, Oher claimed that he was misled by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the couple who took him in as a homeless teenager. He alleges that they led him to believe he was adopted when, in reality, they became his legal conservators. According to Oher, this arrangement resulted in the diversion of money that should have rightfully been his into the hands of the Tuohys.
Oher has filed a petition to end the conservatorship and is demanding a full accounting of the profits made from “The Blind Side” by the Tuohys, as reported by NBC News.
The Tuohys’ attorney, Martin Singer, has accused Oher of attempting to extort money from the family. Singer vehemently denies Oher’s allegations, stating that the family has always treated him as one of their own children. He claims that Oher threatened to tarnish their reputation in the media unless they paid him $15 million.
“They have consistently treated him like a son and one of their three children. His response was to threaten them, including saying that he would plant a negative story about them in the press unless they paid him $15 million,” the statement said.
Amidst the conflicting claims, Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove, co-founders and co-CEOs of Alcon Entertainment, the company that financed ”The Blind Side,” have released a statement addressing the film and its financial arrangements.
“We feel it is now important for us to respond to some recent media reports, which include many mischaracterizations and uninformed opinions,” the statement said.
The statement goes on to explain that the deal for the film rights to Oher’s life story was negotiated by Twentieth Century Fox and later acquired by Alcon. It emphasizes that the nature of life rights deals and the limitations faced by college athletes in 2006, when the agreement was made, were different from what they are today.
Johnson and Kosove clarify that the deal made at that time did not include significant payouts in the event of the film’s success. They refute the notion that the Tuohys received millions of dollars at Oher’s expense, stating that Alcon has paid approximately $767,000 to the talent agency representing the Tuohy family and Michael Oher.
“In fact, Alcon has paid approximately $767,000 to the talent agency that represents the Tuohy family and Michael Oher (who, presumably, took commission before passing it through),” the statement said.
They also highlight the ongoing profits that the Tuohys and Oher will continue to receive as time goes on. “The Blind Side” grossed over $300 million at the box office.
Johnson and Kosove acknowledge the positive aspects of both sides in the current dispute. They commend the Tuohys for their acts of kindness towards Oher and their genuine love and support for him throughout his high school, college, and NFL journey. They also recognize Oher’s courage in accepting the Tuohys’ help as a means to improve his own life, as evidenced by his academic achievements and athletic success.
Source: The Western Journal
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