Quinton Aaron, the actor who played Michael Oher in the 2009 hit film “The Blind Side,” is speaking out in his former co-star, Sandra Bullock’s defense.
As many are aware, the actress took home an Oscar for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy in the film about the NFL star and the Tuohy family. While she has always been praised for her acting skills in the film, many fans have changed their tune following Michael Oher’s big new lawsuit.
As we previously reported, the former NFL star filed a suit earlier this week alleging that the family lied and tricked him into a conservatorship shortly after he turned 18. Following the revelation, social media users have been calling for Bullock to return her Oscar in the wake of the shocking allegations against the family and their alleged treatment of Oher. However, Aaron wants all of that to stop. While speaking with TMZ, he said, “Saying stuff, like she needs to relinquish her title, doesn’t make any sense,” Aaron told TMZ Sports of the calls for Bullock to return her Academy Award. “She gave a brilliant performance and that shouldn’t be tarnished for something that had nothing to do with her.”
The actor went on to say, “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.”
Aside from how he feels about Bullock being pulled into all this drama, Aaron says he really doesn’t know how to feel about Michael’s lawsuit against the family.
“I didn’t know what to think. It’s news to me… unfortunately, it’s not a good turn of events,” he shared. “This movie inspired so many people, and changed people’s lives, mine included. I feel for everyone involved. I’m not taking sides. I love Michael. I love the Tuohy family.” He added, “I just think this is between them. As unfortunate as it is, I offer up my support and prayers for all parties involved… I just hope that everything works out for the best,” Aaron shared.
RELATED: The Tuohy Family Claims Michael Oher Attempted $15 Million Shakedown Before Explosive Lawsuit
How Has The Family Reacted To The Lawsuit
According to a statement released by the Tuohy’s family attorney Martin Singer, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy say they are “heartbroken over these events.”
“Anyone with a modicum of common sense can see that the outlandish claims made by Michael Oher about the Tuohy family are hurtful and absurd,” the statement says. “The idea that the Tuohys have ever sought to profit off Mr. Oher is not only offensive, it is transparently ridiculous. Through hard work and good fortune, Sean and Leigh Anne have made an extraordinary amount of money in the restaurant business. The notion that a couple worth hundreds of millions of dollars would connive to withhold a few thousand dollars in profit participation payments from anyone – let alone from someone they loved as a son – defies belief.”
“In reality, the Tuohys opened their home to Mr. Oher, offered him structure, support, and, most of all, unconditional love,” the statement continued. “They have consistently treated him like a son and one of their three children. His response was to threaten them, including saying that he would plant a negative story about them in the press unless they paid him $15 million.”