Michael Oher has been seen in public for the first time since he filed a bombshell lawsuit alleging his parents, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, never actually adopted him.
The 37-year-old former offensive tackle man attended a book signing in Baltimore Monday to launch his recently released memoir, When Your Back's Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned Through a Lifetime of Widrity.
And during his appearance, the ex-NFL star was seen beaming from ear to ear as he posed with fans of the event.
After autographing a few copies for fans, Oher briefly addressed the crowd and informed them that he couldn't reveal much information about what's currently happening as the case is final.
“This book means a lot to me,” Oher said. “Basically, it's a playbook about life and how to keep fighting back and when your back is against the wall. That's how I've felt my whole life.”
Oher wore a floral short sleeve shirt for the outing, which he paired with beige khaki pants and a gold cross pendant necklace.
The former athlete sent social media into orbit last week claim in court documents that he was never actually adopted by the Tuohys.
Oher claimed the custodianship he served allowed the Memphis couple to retain legal power over him and that “The Blind Side” — which grossed $300 million at the box office — made them millions , without getting a penny.
He accused the Tuohys of falsely posing as his adoptive parents and said he found out in February that the conservatory agreement wasn't the agreement he thought it was.
What we know about Michael Oher's lawsuit against the Tuohy family
Former NFL player Michael Oher, the subject of hit film The Blind Side, claims Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy never officially adopted him.
According to court records, the Tuohys tricked Oher into giving him the legal authority to use his name in business deals after he turned 18.
The 37-year-old claimed the Tuohys used their guardianship to earn millions in royalties from the Oscar-nominated 2009 film.
“The two conservators, Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy, have enriched themselves at the expense of their ward by lying about Michael's adoption [Oher]”, says the court record.
Sean Tuohy spoke out against the claims, saying the conservatory authority was made to ensure Oher was eligible to play football at the University of Mississippi.
Oher wants to end the tutelage of the Tuohys and obtain an injunction prohibiting them from using his name and likeness.
He also wants an accounting of the money they've already made on his behalf, a fair share of the profits, and punitive damages.
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He said he was “wrongly” told it would be a conservatory position because he was already 18 years old, but that the adoption was in fact the intention.
He demands a full accounting of the money he makes from the use of his name, including the 2009 blockbuster film starring Sandra Bullock and the novel that inspired it.
For their part, the Tuohy family called Oher's record “hurting” and “a shameful attempt to suppress him” and claimed that Oher was well aware that he was not adopted.
The couple's attorneys said the Tuohys and Oher had been estranged for about a decade.
With post wires
