Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in court in Park City, Utah, on Tuesday, March 21st, to settle a complaint against her for allegedly crashing into a guy while skiing in the famous ski resort of Deer Valley on Flagstaff Mountain.
Terry Sanders, a retired optometrist, sued the star for $300,000 following the February 26, 2016, incident. He initially claimed damages in January 2019, asking for $3.1 million.
But, the wellness expert claims he was the one who collided with her and has countersued.
Sanders, 76, alleges the crash was caused by negligence and left him with physical and emotional damage, including four fractured ribs and a lasting traumatic brain injury.
According to the Associated Press, the Goop founder’s lawyer, Steve Owens, labeled the lawsuit “total B.S.” during opening comments on the first day of the trial. At the same time, Sander’s counsel alleged that “Gwyneth Paltrow skied out of control.”
“Paltrow stood up, turned, and skied away, leaving Sanders dazed, laying in the snow, gravely injured,” they continued.
However, the actress has labeled the lawsuit “meritless,” claiming that she not only remembers what happened “perfectly” but that the complaint is an “effort to exploit her celebrity and fortune.”
Paltrow was skiing with her ski instructor, Eric Christiansen – who, according to her countersuit, saw the accident and concluded she was not at fault – and her son, Moses Martin, 16, whom she has with Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.
During opening statements, the Oscar-winning actress’ lawyer also announced that Moses would testify in his mother’s defense, claiming that he saw her further downhill than Sanders – under Utah law, it is the skier who is higher on the mountain’s responsibility to give those below the right of way – and lying on the ground after the crash. Apple, her 18-year-old daughter, and her husband, Brad Falchuk, will also testify.
Sanders and Paltrow were present on the first day of the trial, which the Associated Press claims will last more than a week.
