NFL player Michael Oher, whose life story inspired the film The Blind Side, has shared his initial reaction to seeing the Sandra Bullock movie.
Oher experienced a challenging youth and was eventually taken in by Memphis residents Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy. During his time with the Tuohys, they provided him with a tutor, assisted him in obtaining a driver’s license, and supplied him with clothes and food, while also fostering his football talents, which led him to a career in the NFL.
The 2009 drama, featuring Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, portrays her as a protective and encouraging figure who played a pivotal role in Oher’s life.
However, now at 38 years old, Oher feels that the movie misrepresented him and remains concerned about its lasting effects.
Last year, Oher initiated a lawsuit against the Tuohys, alleging they benefited financially from his story and seeking to terminate the conservatorship set up when he was 18. According to the lawsuit, he believed he was signing adoption papers at the time.
In response, the Tuohys’ legal team contended that they have the right to share their own narrative, which includes Oher’s story.
Sean Tuohy expressed to The Daily Memphian that it was ‘upsetting’ to think he or Leigh Anne would ‘make money off any of our children.’
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Oher discussed his delayed viewing of The Blind Side, which grossed over $300 million. The film is based on Michael Lewis’s 2006 book of the same title, which Oher believes had already impacted perceptions of him.
“The N.F.L. people were wondering if I could read a playbook,” he mentioned.
Eventually, a fellow football player convinced Oher to watch the film at a theater.
Oher described his reaction as ‘hard to describe,’ saying, “It seemed kind of funny to me, to tell you the truth, like it was a comedy about someone else.”
He added, “It didn’t register. But social media was just starting to grow, and I started seeing stuff that I’m dumb. I’m stupid. Every article about me mentioned ‘The Blind Side,’ like it was part of my name.”
Even 15 years later, Oher is worried about the film’s impact on his life.
“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?” he pondered.
The legal battle between Oher and the Tuohys continues.