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Gwyneth Paltrow Says Skiing Trial ‘Compromised Her Integrity’ Following Court Win: Get Updates
Gwyneth Paltrow was on trial after she was sued by a man named Terry Sanderson for allegedly causing substantial injuries during a skiing incident. Keep scrolling to learn about the case, updates on the trial and more.
Why Was Gwyneth Paltrow on Trial?
In 2019, Sanderson sued Paltrow and claimed he sustained significant injuries after she allegedly knocked him over while skiing. The incident took place on a beginner-level ski course at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, on February 26, 2016.
Sanderson is suing the Politician actress for more than $300,000 in damages, according to legal documents obtained by In Touch. He originally asked for $3.1 million in damages. However, several of his claims were dropped by the court during a 2022 hearing.
He claimed that he sustained “a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries” following the incident. Additionally, Sanderson alleged that Paltrow was “out of control” while skiing.
Following the incident, the Shakespeare in Love actress allegedly skied away without trying to get help for Sanderson. The paperwork also notes that the Deer Valley Resort staff allegedly blamed him for the collision in a filed incident report.
Paltrow filed a countersuit against Sanderson. She is seeking $1 in symbolic damages, as well as attorney fees.
When Did Gwyneth Paltrow’s Trial Take Place?
The trial began on March 21, in Park City. It is expected to last approximately two weeks and will be live streamed by several outlets on YouTube.
Who Testified During Gwyneth Paltrow’s Trial?
During her lawyer’s opening statements on March 21, it was revealed that Paltrow’s husband, Brad Falchuk, and her children – Apple Martin and Moses Martin – will take the stand to testify. The Goop founder took the stand herself on Friday, March 2, and was questioned by Sanderson’s legal team after his daughters, medical professionals and a witness testified. Before doing so, her attorney Steve Owens asked Judge Kent Holmberg for a request, presenting the bailiffs present with sweet treats.
“Private security for my client wanted to bring in treats for the bailiffs for how helpful they’ve been,” the lawyer said. “So, I wanted to do that transparently and see if there are any objections.” A clip of the interaction has since gone viral on Twitter.
What Has Gwyneth Paltrow Said About the Case?
In her amended complaint, Paltrow alleged that Sanderson “admits he does not remember what happened” and that “Ms. Paltrow remembers what happened very clearly.” Additionally, she claimed that Sanderson “plowed into her back” while she was on the slope with her family. While on the stand, Gwyneth also questioned the legitimacy of the eyewitness’ testimony, asserting that his recollection of the accident could not be believed because he is color blind.
She allegedly “sustained a full ‘body blow'” and “was angry” with Sanderson following the collision.
Paltrow added that “she seeks damages in the amount of $1 for the economic and non-economic damages caused by these injuries, plus her cost and attorneys’ fees to defend this meritless claim” because her “injuries were relatively minor.”
What Did Gwyneth Say While Testifying?
The Shallow Hal star took the stand during day 4 of the trial where she revealed she initially thought she was being sexually assaulted during the 2016 ski accident.
“That was a quick thought that went through my head when I tried to reconcile what was happening,” she recalled. “I was skiing and two skis came between my skis forcing my legs apart and then there was a body pressing against me and there was a very strange grunting noise, so my brain was trying to make sense of what was happening. I thought, ‘Is this a practical joke? Is someone doing something perverted? This is really, really strange.’ My mind was going very quickly, and I was trying to ascertain what was happening.”
Taylor Swift was later brought up Sanderson’s attorney Kristin VanOrman questioned Gwyn’s reasoning behind countersuing her client for $1 after he claimed she intentionally caused him injury.
“I think I said [when you first asked me] that I had not been familiar with [the 2017 trial] but I since am,” the Oscar winner said. “I would not say we are good friends. We are friendly. I’ve taken my kids to one of her concerts before, but we don’t talk very often.”
What Was The Verdict?
The Utah jury found Paltrow not at fault for the skiing incident, handing the actress a countercalim victory on March 30.
“I felt that acquiescing to a false claim compromised my integrity. I am pleased with the outcome and I appreciate all of the hard work of Judge Holmberg and the jury, and thank them for their thoughtfulness in handling this case,” Paltrow told In Touch following the outcome of the trial.
“We are pleased with this unanimous outcome and appreciate the judge and jury’s thoughtful handling of the case,” Paltrow’s lawyer Steve Owens added. “Gwyneth has a history of advocating for what she believes in – this situation was no different and she will continue to stand up for what is right.”
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