Michael Oher of ‘The Blind Side’ speaks out for 1st time since suing Tuohys

A year after The Blind Side subject Michael Oher sued Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, the former NFLer has spoken out about his lawsuit accusing the wealthy couple of exploiting him for millions.

Oher, whose life serves as inspiration for the Sandra Bullock-led film, sued the Tuohys in August 2023. He accused the couple of using his name for financial gain, and he also claimed they lied by having him sign papers making them his conservators rather than his adoptive parents nearly two decades ago.

The conservatorship has already been terminated as a result of the lawsuit.

In a new interview with New York Times Magazine, Oher said the public’s perception of him has been negatively impacted by The Blind Side movie. The film, which was released in 2009 as he was beginning his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens, led many to question his intelligence, Oher said.

“The NFL people were wondering if I could read a playbook,” he recalled.

Oher maintains the popularity of the film — and its portrayal of Oher as quiet and simple-minded — cost him a higher draft position with more pay.

“I started seeing stuff that I’m dumb. I’m stupid,” Oher said of the public reaction to the film. “Every article about me mentioned The Blind Side, like it was part of my name.”

Oher fretted this perception of his intelligence would affect his children.

“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?”

In his lawsuit, Oher said the Tuohys earned about US$8 million (C$10.9 million) by using his name and likeness to promote speaking engagements and other events. He told the court Sean and Leigh Anne were able to obtain millions by telling the public they adopted Oher, which is not true.

“The first