Denise Oher Is Michael Oher's Biological Mother Who Had No Communication with Him Years after 'The Blind Side'

Denise Oher, former football star Michael Oher's biological mother, appears to be estranged from her son. Aside from the ongoing strain between mother and son, he has also taken legal action against the family that famously took him under their care.

Michael Oher has a compelling rags-to-riches tale, transitioning from a challenging upbringing to achieving fame through his remarkable athletic achievements in football. He even has a movie inspired by his life.

But while the movie touched so many hearts, his reality now is far from a fairy tale ending. Even more significant challenges have marked Michael Oher's journey — his estrangement from his biological family and his ongoing conflict with the Tuohys.

Denise Oher Airs Her Side Following the Movie's Success

"The Blind Side" is a captivating movie based on the life of National Football League star Michael Oher. Playing Michael in the 2009 film was actor Quinton Aaron. Several stars also played significant roles in the movie.

Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw portrayed the couple Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, respectively; Jae Head played S.J. Tuohy, and Lily Collins as Collins Tuohy. Other notable stars in the cast included Kathy Bates and Nick Saban.

Michael's biological mother, Denise Oher, had mixed feelings about the film's success. In a 2013 report, she initially thanked the Tuohy family for raising her son into the man he had become.

Michael transitioned to a new phase under the Tuohy family's care.

Denise also expressed pride in Michael for achieving his own victory. However, she disagreed with how the movie portrayed her as the "worst mother in the world." She believed the film misrepresented her character and intentions.

She also emphasized that she had valid reasons for her actions, such as providing a place for her children to sleep by placing a bed in the kitchen. After some time, it appears that Denise and Michael drifted apart. In 2017, she said that while things were improving in her new home in Memphis, life had not been smooth sailing.

Feeling sad and disappointed, Denise admitted that she and Michael had not communicated for some time, uncertain about his well-being. She said:

"We don't hear much from Michael, ya know. Hopefully, God will slap him in the back and he's [sic] does what he is supposed to be doing as a family, with his family. [sic]"

Despite facing difficulties, like a lack of basic amenities and her challenging living situation, Denise continues to embrace each day with gratitude, attributing her resilience to her faith in God.

Michael Oher's Challenging Childhood

Besides Michael's mother, Denise, having her own set of life's challenges, Michael also experienced a childhood devoid of a paternal presence. His father tragically lost his life when the former football star was in high school.

In the autumn of 2003, Michael floated between several Briarcrest families, including the Tuohys. However, a ride offer from Leigh Anne after a track meet altered the course of his life.

Stranded without transportation, Leigh Anne stepped in, driving Michael to his temporary residence — a distant Mississippi trailer with a deflating air mattress. Witnessing his living conditions fueled her determination to extend her support.

With only a trash bag in hand, Michael transitioned to a new phase under the Tuohy family's care. They collected his belongings from various homes across the city, including a cache of mostly untouched clothing still adorned with tags.

Leigh Anne then welcomed Michael into her home, and he slept on the couch. As weeks passed, it became evident that he was becoming a permanent part of the Tuohy family.

Denise Oher's Son Sues the Tuohys

In a surprising turn of events, Michael reportedly has taken legal action against the Tuohy family, alleging that despite the family providing him with a home, they never formally adopted him.

Lodged in Shelby County, Tennessee, Michael's lawsuit aims to nullify the conservatorship established upon him, claiming that he was manipulated into relinquishing his decision-making authority at 18.

Denise Oher's son also alleged that he was persuaded to sign a conservatorship document under the impression of adoption, resigning his capacity to enter into contractual agreements.

The lawsuit further contends that Michael, who joined the Tuohy household at 16, unwittingly ceded the rights to his life story to 20th Century Fox in 2007. Alongside seeking rightful compensation from the biographical film depicting his life journey, Michael's legal action requests an injunction to prevent Leigh Anne and Sean from using his name and likeness.