“The Blind Side,” a once-beloved film, is now under scrutiny. Former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning parodied the movie at the 2010 ESPY Awards, and a recently resurfaced video of the parody sheds light on the controversy surrounding the Tuohy family. The Tuohys, portrayed in the film by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw, took in ex-NFL player Michael Oher as a teenager and claimed to have adopted him. However, Oher has filed a bombshell lawsuit alleging that the Tuohys exploited his talent and story for their own financial gain.
The spoof, called “The Dark Side,” featured Manning in the role of Michael Oher. The sketch showcased a twisted interpretation of the Tuohy family’s behavior, portraying them as controlling and manipulative. In one scene, Bullock’s character insists that all pro athletes use futons when they can’t find a big enough bed. Manning’s character jokingly admits, “I’ve never had one before.” He later pleads for help to escape the Tuohys, calling his brother Eli and writing a concerning essay to his school teacher.
The resurfaced spoof has drawn attention due to the striking similarities between its portrayal and Oher’s own claims about his time with the Tuohy family. Oher states that he was never officially adopted by the family but was tricked into signing away his legal rights after he turned 18. He also alleges that the Tuohys used their conservatorship to make millions of dollars in royalties from the movie.
The Tuohy family denies these allegations, calling them “insulting.” They claim that they never profited from the movie and that everyone in the family received an equal share of the earnings, including Oher. However, a clip from a reality TV show featuring Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy negotiating with Steven Spielberg and Harvey Weinstein for the rights to their story and script approval has raised eyebrows.
Oher’s lawsuit seeks to end the Tuohys’ conservatorship and prevent them from using his name and likeness. He also demands an accounting of the money they have earned and a fair share of the profits. The controversy surrounding “The Blind Side” and the Tuohy family highlights the complex issues surrounding the exploitation of athletes and their stories in the entertainment industry.