Paltrow’s trial begins in Deer Valley ski accident

Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in court in Utah on Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by a retired optometrist who said that the actor-turnedlifestyle influencer violently crashed into him in 2016 while

skiing at one of the most upscale ski resorts in the U.S.

Terry Sanderson, 76, said Paltrow was cruising down the slopes so recklessly that they collided, leaving him on the ground as she and her entourage continued their descent down Deer Valley Resort, a skiers-only mountain known for its groomed runs, après-ski champagne yurts

and posh clientele.

“Gwyneth Paltrow skied out of control,” Sanderson’s attorneys claim in the lawsuit, “knocking him down hard, knocking him out, and causing a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries. Paltrow got up, turned and skied away, leaving Sanderson stunned, lying in the snow, seriously injured.”

In a case that has lasted years, Sanderson is suing Paltrow for $300,000 — claiming that the accident in Park City was a result of negligence, and left him with physical injuries and emotional distress. Sanderson and Paltrow both were present in the Park City courthouse on Tuesday to begin the trial that is slated to last longer than a week. Paltrow shielded her face from reporters and photographers with a blue portfolio as she entered and exited the courtroom.

At ski resorts, the skier who is downhill has the right of way, so a central question in the case is who was farther down the beginner’s run when the collision transpired. Both Paltrow and Sanderson claim in court filings that they were farther downhill when the other rammed into them.

After his initial lawsuit seeking $3.1 million was dropped, Sanderson amended the complaint and he is now seeking $300,000. Paltrow — the Oscar-winning actor known for her roles in “Shakespeare in Love” and Marvel’s “Iron Man” movies — filed a counterclaim, seeking attorney fees and $1 in damages.

Paltrow has alleged that Sanderson was at fault in the collision, is overstating his injuries, and is trying to exploit her celebrity and wealth.