Michael Oher criticises ‘The Blind Side’ for misrepresentation
Oher claims 'The Blind Side' still impacts his life negatively
Michael Oher, the NFL player whose life story inspired the film “The Blind Side,” recently shared his initial reaction to seeing the Sandra Bullock-led movie. In his teenage years, Oher was taken in by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy in Memphis after facing significant challenges at home. The Tuohys provided him with a tutor, helped him obtain a driving license, and supplied him with clothes and food. They also supported his budding football career, which eventually led him to the NFL.
The 2009 drama, with Bullock playing the role of Leigh Anne, depicted her as a fiercely protective figure who motivated Oher to excel. Despite this portrayal, Oher, now 38, believes the film misrepresented him and remains concerned about its lasting effects on his life. Last year, Oher filed a lawsuit against the Tuohys, accusing them of profiting from his story and seeking to end the conservatorship established when he was 18. He claimed he thought he was signing adoption papers at the time.
The Tuohys’ lawyers countered, asserting their right to share their story, which includes Oher. Sean Tuohy expressed to The Daily Memphian that it was upsetting to think they would exploit any of their children for money.
“It Was A Comedy About Someone Else”: Michael Oher Said “The Blind Side” Depicted Him As “Dumb” After Suing The Tuohy Family For Allegedly Exploiting Him https://t.co/Sg98mvt3Fx
— BuzzFeed Australia (@BuzzFeedOz) August 20, 2024
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Oher revealed he didn’t watch “The Blind Side,” which grossed over $300 million, immediately after its release. The film was based on Michael Lewis’s 2006 book, and Oher felt the book alone had already impacted his public image.
“NFL personnel questioned if I could read a playbook,” he mentioned. Eventually, a fellow footballer convinced him to watch the movie in a theatre.
Describing his reaction, Oher said it was ‘hard to describe,’ noting, “It seemed kind of funny to me, like it was a comedy about someone else.” He added, “It didn’t register. But as social media grew, I saw comments calling me dumb. Every article about me mentioned ‘The Blind Side,’ as if it were part of my name.”
Fifteen years later, Oher still worries about the film’s impact on his personal life. He pondered, “If my kids struggle in school, will their teachers think their dad is dumb? Is that why they’re not getting it?”
The legal battle between Oher and the Tuohys continues.
Other Perspective
- New York Post reports Michael Oher, former NFL player and subject of “The Blind Side,” has spoken out about his lawsuit against the Tuohy family, who he claims harmed his NFL career.(read more)
- Vox examines the controversy surrounding Michael Oher’s claims that the Tuohy family exploited his life story, debunking the “white savior” narrative and highlighting his petition to terminate their conservatorship.(read more)
- New York Post reports that Michael Oher, the NFL player from ‘The Blind Side,’ expressed disappointment over his lawsuit against the Tuohy family, citing its impact on his career.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How did Michael Oher feel about The Blind Side movie?
Oher felt misrepresented and thought it seemed like a comedy about someone else.
What actions did the Tuohys take to help Michael Oher?
The Tuohys got him a tutor, helped with his driving license, and provided clothes and food.
Why did Michael Oher sue the Tuohys?
Oher sued the Tuohys claiming they profited off his story and to dissolve the conservatorship.
Did Michael Oher watch The Blind Side when it first came out?
No, Oher did not watch it as soon as it came out.
What concerns does Michael Oher have about the impact of The Blind Side?
Oher is concerned about the movie’s impact on his personal life and how others perceive him.
