The Blind Side star Quinton Aaron is intercepting any criticism aimed at Sandra Bullock.
To backtrack a bit, Michael Oher—the real-life inspiration for Quinton's character in the 2009 film—recently filed a lawsuit against the Touhy family, accusing them of lying about his adoption and instead becoming his conservators, with the family allegedly profiting millions from the movie in the process.
And in the wake of the filing, some social media users have called for Sandra (who played Leigh Anne Tuohy alongside Tim McGraw as her husband Sean) to return the Academy Award she earned in 2010 for her performance in The Blind Side. But for Quinton, he feels that the suggestion "doesn't make any sense."
"She gave a brilliant performance and that shouldn't be tarnished for something that had nothing to do with her," the actor told TMZ Sports Aug. 16. "I really feel like we live in a society today where people are so hell-bent on pointing blame on people."
As he explained, "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."
As for his own perception on the legal drama, Quinton admitted he "didn't know what to think" of the accusations.
"It's news to me," he said. "Unfortunately, it's not a good turn of events. This movie inspired so many people, changed people's lives, mine included. I feel for everyone involved. I'm not taking sides. I love Michael. I love the Tuohy family."
In fact, the 39-year-old noted that the family lawsuit itself is simply "between them."
"As unfortunate as it is, I offer up my support and prayers for all parties involved," Quinton added, "just hope that everything works out for the best."
After its premiere, in addition to earning Sandra an Academy Award, The Blind Side went on to gross over $300 million.
In Michael's petition obtained by E! News Aug. 14, he alleges that the Tuohys used their power as conservators to strike a deal that paid them and their children millions of dollars in royalties, while the former NFL player didn't receive anything for a story "that would not have existed without him."
Michael himself has also since spoken out about the legal ordeal, noting that it was a "difficult situation."
As for the Tuohys, their lawyer Marty Singer fired back at the accusations, calling the lawsuit a "shakedown effort."
"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," Marty told E! News in an Aug. 15 statement. "In reality, the Tuohys opened their home to Mr. Oher, offered him structure, support and, most of all, unconditional love. They have consistently treated him like a son and one of their three children."
See more photos of the Tuohy family and Michael Oher over the years:
Collins Tuohy, Sean Tuohy Jr., Leigh Anne Tuohy and Sean Tuohy got dressed up for the 2009 New York premiere of The Blind Side, the movie based on their life with adoptive son Michael Oher, who became a pro football player.
The longtime couple walked the red carpet at the 2010 Academy Awards in Los Angeles in honor of The Blind Side, which earned actress Sandra Bullock an Oscar that year for playing Leigh Anne.
Michael Oher promoted his book I Beat the Odds on The View in 2011.
Sandra Bullock posed with Leigh Anne, who she played onscreen, at a Blind Side benefit event in New Orleans in 2009.
Sean, Leigh Anne and Collins attended the movie's New York premiere in 2013.
Michael tied the knot with Tiffany Roy in November 2022. "Filled with joy, can't believe people took their time and came to celebrate!" the former NFL player captioned a photo of the ceremony. "My beautiful wife, I love you so much, thank you for blessing me with our family! Easily the best single weekend I've ever been apart of."
Leigh Anne and and Sean brought daughter Collins to the 2010 CMT Music Awards, where Carrie Underwood was a big winner.
The group posed for a photo at the Nashville event.
Oher stopped by the Walk of Champions at Ole Miss in April 2023. "Glad to see my name's still there," he wrote. "Class of ‘09, represent (‘08 football season). I got to take a tour of the new facilities under construction."
The marketing expert shared a photo with her husband Cannon Smith at the Old Florida Fish House
in July 2023. "Sweaty faces and full hearts," Collins wrote on social media. "It's a hot one down here, but we are having the best time. This restaurant is an oldie but goodie. We always eat here at least once. Best sushi."
Michael stopped by SiriusXM Studios in NYC on Aug. 9, 2023.
"Always know football season is right around the corner when it hits LAT's birthday," Collins wrote on Instagram in August 2023 alongside a throwback photo. "Today is the day… Happy Birthday Mom!! Love you!"
The football pro shared a pic with his loved ones in March 2023, writing, "Life is Beautiful‼️#family #life #growth."
The pair, who got married in 1982, went to an after-party hosted by Bloomberg and Vanity Fair party following the 2010 White House Correspondents dinner in Washington, DC.
Michael geared up for the release of his book When Your Back's Against the Wall in August 2023.