Ashish Ranjan
Months after the sensational trials of actors Amber Heard and Johnny Depp had the world riveted to their phones, another Hollywood actor’s soap opera-like trial is making headlines. The 2016 ski tragedy involving Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow has resulted in a week’s worth of stunning contradictions and emotional testimonies.
What has transpired thus far in the case is as follows:
The case involves a 2016 ski accident in which both parties, 76-year-old Terry Sanderson and Ms. Paltrow, allege that the other caused the accident. Mr. Sanderson alleges he sustained a permanent brain injury and four fractured ribs as a result of the collision and is suing Ms. Paltrow for $300,000.
Gwyneth Paltrow is counter-suing Mr. Sanderson for a “symbolic” dollar and attorney’s fees that could reach thousands of dollars. Ms. Paltrow was asked in court if she was “good friends with Taylor Swift” and if the $1 in damages she sought was inspired by a 2017 sexual assault case in which Ms. Swift sought $1 in damages.
When questioned if the damages she was seeking were symbolic, Ms. Paltrow acknowledged that they were. “It’s symbolic because the actual damages would be greater,” she said, adding that his litigation was a “attempt to exploit her fame and fortune.”
On the second day of the trial, it was determined that a camera positioned directly in front of Ms. Paltrow and her attorney violated court etiquette. The magistrate stated, “I do consider this a violation, and I’ve requested that the reporter be informed that this is currently interfering with our proceedings. If this occurs again, the journalist will be asked to depart.”
Ms. Paltrow stated in her account of the incident that she initially believed she was being sexually assaulted and that it felt like they were “spooning” when they collapsed to the ground.
Mr. Sanderson and his attorneys have provided an alternative explanation, alleging that the founder of Goop “lost control.” Ms. Paltrow denied ever engaging in “risky behavior” on a ski path that she claimed to be familiar with.
After introducing an eyewitness with a different account of the collision than Ms. Paltrow’s, she questioned the witness’s veracity and persisted that she was the victim.
In a tearful deposition, Ms. Sanderson’s daughter claimed that her father had undergone a “personality change” as a result of the accident, citing an incident in which he “belittled” his granddaughter while she was attempting to close a vehicle door.
In addition to the divergent testimonies and heated exchanges, Ms. Paltrow’s courtroom attire has been a focal point of the trial, with several outfits incorporating pieces from her own line. Her use of a $250 blue leather notebook to conceal her identity from the cameras also made headlines.
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On Monday, the trial will recommence, and Mr. Sanderson is scheduled to testify. Ms. Paltrow’s team will also include medical professionals, ski instructors, and her two children, Moses, 16, and Apple, 18 years old.
