
Michael Lewis, the author behind the book that became the movie The Blind Side, has sounded off to The Washington Post about the controversy that now surrounds it.
As reported, Michael Oher [OR], the formerly homeless former NFL star whose life story made up the book and the film, filed a petition against Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, claiming they tricked him into a conservatorship and shorted him millions.
The couple, who were respectively played by Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock in the movie, vehemently denied Oher’s claims.
To the paper, Lewis first denied that anyone involved in the film behind the scenes received “millions” from the hit. “Everybody should be mad at the Hollywood studio system,”the author expressed.
“Michael Ohershould join the writers strike. It’s outrageous how Hollywood accounting works, but the money is not in the Tuohys’ pockets,” he said.
According to Lewis,20th Century Fox paid $250,000 for the rights to his book, The Blind Side, and he split that 50-50 with the Tuohy family. The Tuohys maintained the monies they made were split between all of their family members, including Oher.
Further, the author clarified he took home around $70,000 for optioning the story that became the film — which was eventually distributed by Warner Bros. — and the parents received $350,000 each, splitting up royalties amongst their family members, Oher included.
However, according to Lewis, Oher apparently began declining his royalty checks. When that happened, the author explains, the parents put the money into a trust fund for Oher’s son.
Lewis lamented, “They showered him with resources and love. That he’s suspicious of them is breathtaking. The state of mind one has to be in to do that — I feel sad for him.”
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Related Posts
New photo from reboot shows that Frasier is on the move
October 2, 2023
Paramount+A new photo promoting the October 12 return of the Emmy-winning sitcom Frasier gives a…
Sia reveals she got a face lift, gives her plastic surgeon an award
October 2, 2023
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Sia usually appears onstage with a huge wig covering her face, but she…
All we want for Christmas is a Mariah Carey holiday tour — and it starts next month
October 2, 2023
Live NationIt's almost time, or as she puts it, "The actual defrosting has begun!" Mariah Carey is…
Selena Gomez joins Coldplay onstage to sing “Let Somebody Go”
October 2, 2023
Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty ImagesIt's been a while since Selena Gomez performed music live…
In Brief: Nick renews ‘Spongebob’ for season 26, and more
October 2, 2023
ABC has canceled the sitcom Home Economics after three seasons, according to Deadline. The series,…
Jimmy Kimmel parodies the Kardashians in promo for his late night return
October 2, 2023
ABC/Jeff LipskyJimmy Kimmel celebrated the October 2 return of his ABC late-night talk show Jimmy…
Beyoncé releasing Renaissance concert film December 1
October 2, 2023
Courtesy FandangoTickets for Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé -- a film adaptation of her blockbuster…
Britney Spears criticizes police for wellness check after fake knives dance
October 2, 2023
Britney Spears has expressed frustration with law enforcement after they conducted a welfare check…