Former NFL star Michael Oher has opened up about the lawsuit he filed against Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, accusing them of deceiving him into a conservatorship and profiting unfairly from the book and movie “The Blind Side.” Oher expressed his heartbreak over how the movie stripped his true identity and defined him as soon as he arrived in the NFL. The lawsuit alleged that the Tuohys placed Oher in a conservatorship and excluded him from profits made from the story. While a Tennessee judge ended the conservatorship, the legal battle continues with the Tuohys denying Oher’s claims.
Oher criticized the film for its portrayal of him as unintelligent and clueless, as it perpetuated white savior tropes. He highlighted discrepancies in the narrative presented in the movie and book, revealing that he was recognized for his talent before interacting with the Tuohys. Despite grievances, Oher maintained fond memories with the Tuohys and acknowledged the perception of his actions as ungrateful.
Oher spoke about working to return to his pre-“The Blind Side” self and the impact of being taken in by the Tuohys at a young age. The Tuohys declined to comment on the interview, lawsuit, or allegations. Oher reflected on the vulnerability he experienced when first hearing “I love you” from the Tuohys at age 18, and the subsequent stripping of everything he had gained. He emphasized his desire to regain his original personality and continue his journey of self-discovery.
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