Gwyneth Paltrow is opening up about the highly publicized ski crash trial that dominated headlines in 2023. Two years after winning the case against retired optometrist Terry Sanderson, the actress and Goop founder shared new details about her experience and why she refused to settle.
Here’s what Gwyneth Paltrow revealed about the ski trial and her decision to fight back.
Gwyneth Paltrow talks about 2023 ski trial
Gwyneth Paltrow called the 2023 ski crash trial “ridiculous” during an April 24 appearance on The World’s First Podcast with Erin & Sara Foster.
“The idea that someone could ski into your back and knock you down and then sue you — I was like, ‘This is everything that’s wrong with our legal system,’” she said.
Paltrow was sued by retired optometrist Terry Sanderson, who claimed she crashed into him on a beginner slope at Deer Valley Resort in Utah in February 2016. He first sought $3.1 million in damages, which was later reduced to $300,000. Sanderson alleged the crash caused serious physical and emotional harm. Paltrow denied the claim and countersued for a symbolic $1, stating that Sanderson had hit her from behind.
During the eight-day trial in March 2023, Paltrow maintained her position. “That’s why I felt like I had to fight it,” she said. “I’m not gonna be shaken down here. I’m not doing that.”
Her attorney, Steve Owens, stated in closing arguments, “It takes a lot of courage, does it not, for her to sit there for two weeks and be pounded like a punching bag? The easy thing for my client would have been to write a check and be done with it.”
The jury found Paltrow not at fault and awarded her the requested $1. She had previously stated that if she received any additional compensation, she would donate it to charity.
Sanderson claimed Paltrow left him without aid after the crash, while she testified that he told her he was fine. The incident and trial drew national attention due to the celebrity’s involvement and courtroom statements.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.