Amid Michael Oher's lawsuit against Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy for "tricking" him into a conservatorship rather than adoption, some important numbers are starting to trickle out.
Part of Oher's claim is the Tuohys made "millions" off his likeness in the book and, more notably, movie "The Blind Side" that he was not able to retain because he wasn't legally adopted by the family, just one of the factual inconsistencies within the movie.
Alcon Entertainers, the company that funded "The Blind Side," put out a statement Thursday defending the accuracy of the movie and disclosing payouts made to the representatives of the Tuohys and Oher.
As a result, the notion that the Tuohys were paid millions of dollars by Alcon to the detriment of Michael Oher is false. 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). We anticipate that the Tuohy family and Michael Oher will receive additional profits as audiences continue to enjoy this true story in the years to come. In addition to these contractual payments, Alcon made a charitable contribution to the Tuohy family foundation. We offered to donate an equal amount to a charity of Mr. Oher's choosing, which he declined.
MORE: Michael Oher family dispute, explained
The statement, released by Alcon co-founders Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson also rejected the notion anyone was taken advantage of with those payouts.
"The deal that was made by Fox for the Tuohy's and Michael Oher's life rights was consistent with the marketplace at that time for the rights of relatively unknown individuals," they said. "Therefore, it did not include significant payouts in the event of the film's success."
The statement would appear to favor the Tuohy family, but it truly means nothing. It's the way the talent agency divvied up the money between Oher and the Tuohy family that is being contested.
Oher and the Tuohys have been sniping at each other in dueling press releases. The Tuohys responded to Oher's initial lawsuit through attorney Martin Singer, who said "the idea that the Tuohys have ever sought to profit off Mr. Oher is not only offensive, it is transparently ridiculous," per "People" magazine. Another claim from lawyer Randy Fishman said the proceeds of the film were split five ways equally, with Oher being included.
Murky as the facts may be, it appears this case is destined to play out in a courtroom. Until then, it will likely be a series of conflicting statements. Now that Alcon has thrown its hat into the ring, it doesn't appear that is going to change.