- By Sukanya Saha
- Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Months after the high-profile trial of Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, which captivated the world's attention, another Hollywood actor's dramatic court case is making the news. Over the course of a week, the trial has included striking inconsistencies and heartfelt testimonies about a skiing mishap in 2016 that involved Academy Award recipient Gwyneth Paltrow.
The lawsuit centres around a skiing incident in 2016, involving both Paltrow and a 76-year-old man named Terry Sanderson, asserting that the actor was responsible for the accident. Sanderson contends that he sustained a permanent brain injury and four broken ribs as a result of the accident and is seeking $300,000 in damages from Paltrow.
In what she describes as a "symbolic" gesture, Paltrow is counter-suing Sanderson for a nominal amount of $1, plus the possibility of incurring substantial legal fees. During the court proceedings, Paltrow was asked whether she was close friends with Taylor Swift and whether her request for damages was motivated by a 2017 sexual assault case in which Swift had sought $1 in compensation.
When questioned about the nature of her damages claim, Paltrow acknowledged that it was indeed symbolic. "It's symbolic because the damages would actually be more," she said before adding that his lawsuit was an "attempt to exploit her celebrity and wealth."
During the second day of the trial, it was discovered that a camera had been positioned in front of Paltrow and her attorney, which was deemed to be a breach of courtroom etiquette. "I do see this as a violation, and I've asked that the reporter be told that this is now interrupting our proceedings. If it happens again, the reporter will be asked to leave," the judge said.
Paltrow recounted her perspective of the event, stating that at first, she believed she was being sexually assaulted, and further described the experience as though they were "spooning" when they toppled to the ground.
Following the testimony of an eyewitness who provided a contradictory version of the accident compared to Paltrow's account, she expressed doubts about the witness's accuracy and maintained that she was the one who had been struck in the incident.
During an emotional testimony, Sanderson's daughter claimed that the accident had resulted in a "change in personality" in her father. She recalled an incident where he had "belittled" his granddaughter while she was trying to shut a car door.
In addition to the contrasting testimonies and contentious exchanges, Paltrow's fashion choices during the trial have also garnered significant attention, with numerous outfits incorporating items from her personal brand. The use of a $250 blue leather notebook to shield her face from cameras was also a topic of discussion for several tabloids.
The trial is set to recommence on Monday, and Sanderson is scheduled to give his testimony. In addition, Paltrow's legal team is anticipated to present testimony from medical professionals, ski instructors, and her two children, 16-year-old Moses and 18-year-old Apple.