The NFL player who inspired Sandra Bullock’s movie, The Blind Side, has publicly addressed the lawsuit he filed against the family that took him in.
Michael Oher’s journey gained international recognition through the 2009 film, which showcased how the Tuohy family rescued him from a difficult living situation, brought him into their home, and supported his burgeoning football career.
The movie was a box office success, earning over $300 million, but last year, Oher filed a petition in a Tennessee court, alleging discrepancies in his relationship with the Tuohys. He claimed that contrary to what many believed, he had never been adopted by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy.
Instead, Oher asserted that he was misled into signing documents that made them his conservators, granting them legal authority over his finances and major life decisions, and allowing them to enter business deals using his name.
His legal team accused the Tuohys of exploiting Oher for their financial gain, estimating they made approximately $8 million over two decades.
Oher sought to terminate the conservatorship, which the court successfully dissolved.
For the first time since this legal battle, Oher spoke with The New York Times, reminiscing about hearing the words “I love you” for the first time at age 18.
“It was Sean and Leigh Anne [Tuohy] saying it,” he told the magazine. “When that happens at 18, you become vulnerable.”
“You let your guard down and then you get everything stripped from you. It turns into a hurt feeling.”
Although Oher, now 38, acknowledged that his time with the family had its benefits—such as his own bed, good food, and a truck—he criticized the film’s portrayal of him.
He believes The Blind Side inaccurately depicted his abilities both as an athlete and a person.
Reflecting on his initial reaction to the film, Oher mentioned: “It’s hard to describe my reaction. It seemed kind of funny to me, to tell you the truth, like it was a comedy about someone else. It didn’t register.”
The film’s portrayal also impacted his football career, with people questioning his intelligence.
“The NFL people were wondering if I could read a playbook,” he recalled. “If my kids can’t do something in class, will their teacher think, ‘Their dad is dumb — is that why they’re not getting it?’”
Oher stated that both his football commitments and his emotional state prevented him from pursuing legal action against the Tuohy family sooner. He is now focused on regaining his former self, personality-wise.
“I’m still working on it,” he said.
Following Oher’s lawsuit, Sean Tuohy told The Daily Memphian that the family was ‘devastated’ by the claims.
“It’s upsetting to think we would make money off any of our children,” he said. “But we’re going to love Michael at 37 just like we loved him at 16.”
Although the conservatorship has been dissolved, other aspects of the lawsuit, including Oher’s request for monetary damages, are still active. The Tuohys maintain their right to share their family story and have filed a motion to dismiss some claims, which will be heard on October 1.