The Blind Side tells the real life story of Leigh Anne and the affluent Touhy family, who adopted a homeless African-American teenager, Michael Oher. Released in 2009, the sports drama is an adaptation of Michael Lewis’ 2006 book of the same title that chronicles the remarkable journey of Oher, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is taken in by the Tuohy family. Set in the early 2000s, the film portrays Oher’s struggles and triumphs, from his challenging upbringing to his rise as a football star. The Blind Side cast was notably headlined by Sandra Bullock.

In 2023, the real Michael Oher disputed the film’s representation of his life, calling its representation of his adoption a lie. The Blind Side controversy has cast doubt on the “true story” that the movie claims to tell. Directed by John Lee Hancock, the movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing an impressive $309 million against a $29 million budget. Now that it’s streaming on Netflix, it’s worth wondering what happened to Leigh Anne and the Touhy family in real life after the events depicted in The Blind Side.

Leigh Anne & Sean Touhy Sold The Majority Of Their Franchise Restaurants By 2020

This Was A Long And Complex Process

By 2020, The Blind Side‘s Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy had divested the majority of their franchise restaurant empire. This was a monumental task involving the sale of 105 restaurants and 55 properties for a total of $213 million in six separate transactions (via Franchise Times). The Tuohys faced a challenging road in unwinding their company, RGT Management, with the assistance of investment banker Auspex Capital. Sean Tuohy remarked on the difficulty of this process, stating, “It’s a lot harder to unwind a company than to build a company.”

Despite the sale, Tuohy retained a few restaurants and advised against completely exiting the business. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a certain level of engagement for emotional and financial stability. Over three decades, Sean Tuohy and his longtime operating partner, Michael Roe, expanded their portfolio to include 115 Taco Bell, KFC, and co-branded units across six states, as well as seven Freddy’s locations. The divestment process was not without emotional complexity. Chris Kelleher of Auspex Capital, for instance, described the experience as “bittersweet” due to the close relationships formed over the years.

Leigh Anne & Sean Touhy Were Sued By Michael Oher Over Conservatorship Allegations In 2023

A Judge Ended The Conservatorship A Month Later

In 2023, The Blind Side real subject Michael Oher filed a lawsuit against Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, alleging that the narrative of his adoption was a fabrication. Contrary to the story portrayed in the movie (via The Guardian), Oher claimed that the Tuohys did not adopt him but instead tricked him into signing a conservatorship agreement shortly after he turned 18. This legal maneuver allegedly allowed the Tuohys to profit from his life story while excluding him from any financial benefits. According to Oher, the Tuohys earned millions from the success of The Blind Side, while he received nothing.

He thus sought to end the conservatorship and prevent the Tuohys from using his name and image for promotional purposes. The petition claimed that the Tuohys misled Oher and the public into believing he was legally adopted, a misconception that they allegedly used to their financial advantage. Oher’s attorney, J. Gerard Stranch IV, highlighted the emotional impact on Oher, stating, “Discovering that he wasn’t actually adopted devastated Mike and wounded him deeply.”

In response, the Tuohy family denied Oher’s allegations (via The Guardian), labeling the lawsuit as a “shakedown” and asserting that they have always treated Oher as a son. Their attorney, Martin Singer, stated that the family provided Oher with support and love, and any financial gains from the film were shared equally among the family, including Oher. Singer claimed that the Tuohys received a flat fee rather than royalties and that they have consistently offered Oher his share. A month later, a Tennessee judge signed an order ending the conservatorship (via CNN).

Collins Tuohy Was An Athlete At Ole Miss & Co-Owns A Cookie Company

She Won The Tennessee State Championship In The Pole Vault

Collins Tuohy, daughter of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, showcased her athletic prowess while attending Briarcrest Christian School alongside Michael Oher (via People). She won the Tennessee State Championship in the Pole Vault. Following her successful high school career, Collins continued her academic and athletic journey at the University of Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.

Her time at Ole Miss not only solidified her academic foundation but also strengthened her bond with Oher, whom she helped adjust to life with the Tuohy family. Collins also co-owns Whimsy Cookie Company, a business specializing in custom-ordered decorative sugar cookies. This entrepreneurial endeavor aligns with her creative and leadership skills. In addition to her business, Collins is actively involved in her parents’ charity, The Making it Happen Foundation, which focuses on helping underprivileged children.

SJ Tuohy Played Basketball For Loyola University Maryland & Works With UCF Athletes

He Also Played College Basketball

Sean “SJ” Tuohy Jr. pursued his higher education at Loyola University Maryland, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a specialization in journalism and marketing. His time at Loyola was marked by his involvement in the university’s basketball team. After graduating (via Linked In), SJ obtained a master’s degree in Humanistic Studies from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he also participated in football. Furthering his education, he earned a doctorate in Strategic Leadership at Liberty University.

In 2021, SJ took on the role of Director of Football Operations at the University of Central Florida. He currently serves as the Executive Director at The Kingdom NIL, a position that allows him to work closely with UCF athletes. SJ also remains actively involved in his family’s philanthropic efforts, serving on the board of The Making It Happen Foundation. In May 2020, he made an Instagram post featuring his mother Leigh Anne and The Blind Side subject Michael Oher as a Mother’s Day tribute.

Sources: Franchise Times, The Guardian, The Guardian, CNN, People, Linked In, and Whimsy Cookie Company.