Gwyneth Paltrow’s lawyer called the story of a retired optometrist who is suing her over a 2016 ski accident “utter B.S.” on the first day of the trial in Utah on Tuesday.
Terry Sanderson claims that the actor-turned-lifestyle influencer was driving so recklessly down the slopes that they collided, leaving him on the ground as she and her entourage continued their descent down Deer Valley Resort, a skiers-only mountain known for its groomed runs, après-ski champagne yurts, and posh clientele.
Sanderson’s attorneys claim in the lawsuit that “Gwyneth Paltrow skied out of control,” knocking him down hard, knocking him out, and causing a brain injury, four broken ribs, and other serious injuries. Paltrow stood up, turned, and skied away, leaving Sanderson stunned and seriously injured in the snow.
Sanderson is suing Paltrow for $300,000 in a case that has lasted years, claiming that the accident in Park City was the result of negligence, leaving him with physical injuries and emotional distress.
Sanderson and Paltrow both appeared in court on Tuesday to begin the trial, which is expected to last more than a week. When she entered and exited the courtroom, Paltrow, wearing a beige knit sweater, tweed harem pants, and aviator-style reading glasses, shielding her face from reporters and photographers with a blue “GP”-initiated notebook.
Park City is a Rocky Mountain resort town that hosts the Sundance Film Festival, which attracts a slew of celebrities each year.
On ski slopes, Utah law gives the downhill skier the right of way, so a key question in the case is who was farther down the beginner’s run at the time of the collision. In court documents, both Paltrow and Sanderson claim that they were further downhill when the other rammed into them, causing their skis to intertwine and the two to tumble.
“All skiers know that when they’re skiing down the mountain, it’s their responsibility to yield the right of way to skiers below them,” Sanderson’s attorney, Lawrence Buhler, told jurors, who walked into the courtroom smiling, likely due to their proximity to a major celebrity, unlike those chosen for most trials.
Both sides presented their clients in opening arguments as conservative skiers who were stunned when a skier above them crashed into them. Both considered the other’s version of events to be implausible.
Buhler described Paltrow as wealthy while emphasizing Sanderson’s military service and how he sought medical attention at the V.A. hospital following the collision.
“She hires multiple ski instructors for her children to avoid long lines. Private lessons can cost thousands of dollars per day “He stated.
Paltrow’s attorneys told jurors on Tuesday that Sanderson was the one who crashed into her, causing her to suffer a “full body blow.” Attorney Steve Owens noted that members of Paltrow’s entourage checked on Sanderson, who assured them he was fine — an interaction Sanderson does not deny but claims he cannot recall in court filings.
Paltrow’s attorney warned jurors not to let sympathy for Sanderson’s medical issues sway their decisions while showing images of Paltrow on a chairlift with her son on a projector. He called the 76-year-credibility old’s into question, citing his age and documented pre-collision brain injuries. He stated that the Utah man had confirmed that he was fine following the crash.
Sanderson also posted a “very happy, smiling picture” of himself being tobogganed down after the crash, according to Owens.
“His recall of the case improves over time. That’s all I have to say. That is not the way memory works “Owens stated.
Sanderson amended his complaint after his initial lawsuit for $3.1 million was dismissed, and he is now seeking $300,000. Paltrow, known for her roles in “Shakespeare in Love” and Marvel’s “Iron Man” films, filed a counterclaim, requesting attorney fees and $1 in damages.
Paltrow claims Sanderson was the cause of the collision, is exaggerating his injuries, and is attempting to take advantage of her celebrity and wealth. She is the founder and CEO of the high-end wellness company goop, in addition to her acting career.
“He demanded that Ms. Paltrow pay him millions of dollars. If she did not pay, she would be subjected to negative publicity as a result of his allegations “In a court filing in 2019, her attorneys stated.
