Actor and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow is in the spotlight this week as she appears in court for a civil lawsuit regarding a 2016 skiing incident.
Paltrow, 50, has been accused of causing serious injury to retired optometrist Terry Sanderson after she allegedly collided with him while skiing at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah.
Sanderson, 76, alleged Paltrow skied into him, “knocking him down hard, knocking him out.” He claimed the collision caused “permanent traumatic brain injury, 4 broken ribs, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life.” He maintains that Paltrow left him collapsed on the slope and skied away. He is suing Paltrow for more than US$300,000.
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Paltrow denies any responsibility for the crash and is countersuing for $1 and lawyers’ fees. She claims Sanderson is the one who hit her and is now suing to “exploit her celebrity and wealth.”
The trial is being livestreamed by multiple outlets. Both parties have agreed the trial will last eight days.
Paltrow and Sanderson are expected to testify on Friday.
Paltrow brings ‘treats for the bailiffs’
On Thursday, the Goop founder brought “treats” for the law enforcement officers in the courtroom. Before testimony of the day began, Paltrow’s lawyer, Steve Owens, introduced the goodies.
“Private security for my client wanted to bring in treats for the bailiffs for how helpful they’ve been,” Owens told the judge. “So, I wanted to do that transparently and see if there are any objections.”
Sanderson’s lawyer, Lawrence Buhler, objected to the abnormal request.
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Judge Kent Holmberg barred Paltrow and her people from distributing the treats in the courtroom.
“OK, there’s an objection so thank you, but no thank you,” Holmberg said, noting either party could take the treats later if they decided to do so.
It is not clear what kind of treats Paltrow was offering.
Media coverage and cameras in the courtroom
Paltrow and her lawyers have been clearly upset with the amount of media coverage surrounding the civil trial. On Wednesday, the second day in court, Owens argued that a camera with a live video feed should not be pointed at Paltrow and her council table, as per alleged decorum agreements.
“We have a new camera pointed directly at my client, right there, on the right,” Owens told the judge.
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Paltrow removed her glasses and remained stoic. Owens said photographers had also swarmed Paltrow at her car outside the courtroom the day prior.
Holmberg recognized the camera “as a problem” and said the court would investigate the request to divert the view and adjust proceedings accordingly. Holmberg did not make a ruling on photography outside of the courtroom.
#GwynethPaltrow's lawyer complained about a "new camera" pointed directly at the actress, stating that these changes are contrary to the decorum order. "I don't want changes without reporters telling you," Stephen Owens said to the judge. pic.twitter.com/XzkMLCnV2i
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) March 22, 2023
Paltrow argues Sanderson’s injuries are exaggerated
Paltrow and her lawyers have claimed Sanderson is exaggerating his “traumatic” injuries to capitalize on Paltrow’s celebrity and status.
Psycho-neurologist Dr. Alina Fong, who is Sanderson’s witness, testified on Thursday that Sanderson was diagnosed with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) after the ski incident. All of Sanderson’s medical witnesses have testified his injuries are consistent with someone crashing into him from behind.
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Owens previously called Sanderson’s diagnosis and symptoms “utter BS.”
Paltrow’s council said Sanderson was able to travel to 10 countries in the years following the ski accident. They also complained a separate witness for Sanderson, neuroradiology expert Dr. Wendell Gibby, did not review Sanderson’s 2009 MRI that allegedly showed he had sustained past brain injuries.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.