Quinton Aaron, acclaimed for his portrayal of Michael Oher in the 2009 cinematic success, “The Blind Side,” recently stepped into the spotlight, urging the public to separate Sandra Bullock from the legal tumult between Oher and the Tuohy family. Sandra Bullock, having earned an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, finds herself at the crosshairs of this drama.
“Saying stuff like she needs to relinquish her title doesn’t make any sense,” Aaron highlighted during an interview with TMZ Sports. He reinforced, “She gave a brilliant performance and that shouldn’t be tarnished for something that had nothing to do with her.”
Bullock became the target of many on social media with many stating she should have her oscar for her performance the film taken away.
Aaron laments the trend of societal blame, urging calm and patience stating, “I really feel like we live in a society today where people are so hellbent on pointing blame on people.”
“To make a statement like that, doesn’t make any sense. Sandra Bullock didn’t have anything to do with the real story… I think that people just need to chill out, relax and let the families involved handle whatever is going on,” he added.
Sharing his own reflections on the lawsuit, Aaron conveyed his shock, “It’s news to me… unfortunately, it’s not a good turn of events.” He reminisced about the movie’s impactful narrative, “This movie inspired so many people, changed people’s lives, mine included. I’m not taking sides. I love Michael. I love the Tuohy family.”
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Oher’s lawsuit, stemming from the true-to-life story depicted in Michael Lewis’ 2006 bestseller, “The Blind Side,” alleges that the Tuohy family capitalized significantly off his name post-movie.
The film, a box office sensation that raked in over $300 million, painted the touching tale of the Tuohy family guiding Oher, both in life and on the gridiron.
Central to the lawsuit is Oher’s claim that, under the guise of adoption, the Tuohy family manipulated him into a conservatorship just after his 18th birthday. This legal binding, he alleges, gave them unchecked power to make pivotal business decisions on his behalf.
In a detailed 14-page petition filed in Shelby County, Tennessee, it’s outlined how the Tuohys, using their conservatorship status, purportedly brokered a deal with 20th Century Fox, leading to handsome royalties for them from “The Blind Side.” The arrangement, per Oher, was to conclude when he turned 25, but it was never terminated.
Sean Tuohy, the Tuohy family figurehead, expressed sorrow over these claims, deeming them “insulting.” Yet, he did not close the door on ending the conservatorship if that is Oher’s genuine desire.
The family’s legal representation, Marty Singer, unveiled to ET a different angle. According to Singer, Oher threatened to taint the family’s image via planting a negative story to the press unless they gave him an eight-figure check.
Meanwhile the Tuohys strongly rebuff claims of tricking Oher and misusing their influence for monetary gain. Singer argued, “The notion that a couple worth hundreds of millions would withhold a few thousand dollars… defies belief.”
Amid this saga, Sandra Bullock remains silent, grappling with her personal loss, the passing of her longtime partner, Bryan Randall, after a discreet battle with ALS.
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Leigh Anne Tuohy, Bullock’s real-life counterpart, too, remains muted, allowing their legal counsel to lead their defense.
The allegations in Oher’s court filing are shocking. However, Aaron is right, people need to “chill out” and let the families “handle whatever is going on” that has absolutely nothing to do with Sandra Bullock or the oscar she won for her performance.