The latest on the Paltrow verdict
It’s been a wild ride over this eight-day trial that finally came to a dramatic conclusion this afternoon. Here’s where we will leave off tonight:
The jury sided with actress and Goop guru Gwyneth Paltrow, ruling that she was not responsible for the ski-crash.
Paltrow will be awarded her $1 prize – a symbolic amount she countersued retired optometrist Terry Sanderson for, claiming he was exploiting her fame and wealth in his attempt to wrangle $300,000 out of the 2016 collision.
The verdict – along with the widely-watched theatrics of trial – sparked an internet uproar as people weighed in, tying the news to another highly-anticipated event: the indictment of former president Donald Trump.
In a final statement given after the verdict, Paltrow tied the trial to her integrity: “I felt that acquiescing to a false claim comprised my integrity. I am pleased with the outcome and I appreciate all of the hard work of Judge Holmberg and the jury, and thank them for their thoughtfulness in handling this case.”
If you need more on the ins and outs you can find it here:
Have a good night!
As Paltrow exited the courtroom she paused briefly and leaned close to say something to Sanderson, who had just lost the $1 claim to her.
Her message? Allegedly, “I wish you well.”
Actor #GwynethPaltrow speaks with Terry Sanderson after a jury found her not liable in their civil case over a 2016 skiing mishap at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. The jury awarded her the $1 she sought in her countersuit. 📷: Rick Bowmer pic.twitter.com/pfMeXH2TSd
— Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) March 30, 2023
Gwyneth Paltrow whispered “I wish you well” to Dr. Sanderson, the man who sued her over ski crash, as she left the courtroom with her $1 victory. pic.twitter.com/4p176ec19d
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 30, 2023
Though Paltrow’s lead attorney, Stephen Owens, said she would not to speak in the moments after the verdict was read in her favor, Paltrow has released a statement.
“I felt that acquiescing to a false claim comprised my integrity. I am pleased with the outcome and I appreciate all of the hard work of Judge Holmberg and the jury, and thank them for their thoughtfulness in handling this case.”
Outside the courtroom Owens added, “Gwyneth has a history of advocating for what she believes in – this situation was no different and she will continue to stand up for what is right.”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 30, 2023
Many people are social media are pointing out the remarkable timing of the Gwyneth Paltrow verdict, which came not long after another dramatic (and unrelated) development – the indictment of former president Donald Trump.
While the two events could not be more different, together they sparked excitement and alarm on Thursday afternoon.
Trump indicted, Paltrow vindicated
— Scott Nover (@ScottNover) March 30, 2023
Trump will soon be fingerprinted and processed for a felony arrest – marking a first for a current or former president – over an alleged hush money payment made by him to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Paltrow meanwhile, captivated onlookers during her civil suit, which offered a rare glimpse into affluent lifestyles, from fashion choices to the cost of elite ski lessons.
Still, the two breaking news events collided on Thursday afternoon, and Twitter users were quick to react.
Donald Trump and Gwyneth Paltrow fighting over who gets to be the main character on law twitter pic.twitter.com/5QQrx6oMJx
— Alex Su (@heyitsalexsu) March 30, 2023
Donald trump indicted, Gwyneth Paltrow cleared…. yin and yang, peace in the kingdom
— Jennimai (@jennnimai) March 30, 2023
Gwyneth Paltrow INNOCENT.
— Phillip (@MajorPhilebrity) March 30, 2023
Donald Trump GUILTY.
This is the America we fought for! pic.twitter.com/3O8jWiRksK
Key moment from the trial
It might be just a skiing accident, but the legal fight between A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow and Terry Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired optometrist, somehow captured the attention of the world.
Sanderson sued Paltrow, alleging her recklessness caused the crash on the slopes and left him with four broken ribs and post-concussion symptoms including confusion, memory loss and irritability. Paltrow countersued for a symbolic $1 and attorney fees, alleging Sanderson veered into her from behind.
Here are some of the key moments and issues from the trial.
If you’re just tuning in and need a refresh on the ins and outs of this trial, here’s a breakdown:
In 2016, Hollywood star and lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow collided with retired optometrist Terry Sanderson on a beginner ski slope on a Utah mountain. The later, a 76 year old man, brought a $3m claim against the actress claiming she was the cause of the accident, which he said left him brutally injured and robbed him of the ability to enjoy activities he once did, wine tasting among them.
Sanderson dropped his claim to $300,000 before the trial started but Paltrow counter-sued for a symbolic $1 (plus attorney’s fees), insisting that she had not been at fault for the ski-crash and that her celebrity and wealth were being exploited.
The two-week trial has captured the attention of people around the world, and, as The Guardian’s Edward Helmore puts it, “The trial may go down as one of the most bizarre uses of a court’s time.”
You can read more from him on the trial and the verdict here:
Paltrow has opted not to make a statement following the verdict, during which the jury awarded her the requested $1 sum she sued over. Courtroom videos showed her breathing a sigh of relief as the verdict was read, which was quickly followed by a statement from Judge Holmberg congratulating the parties on their professionalism during the high-profile trial.
Jury finds in favor of Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow has been found to not be at fault for the ski accident after the jury assigned 100% of the blame to Terry Sanderson.
After 8 days – and many years – a verdict has been reached. Judge Holmberg issued some statements reminding both parties that the proceedings will not conclude until the court adjourns and is now inviting the jury back in.
Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial to come to a close with verdict to be announced soon
Following closing arguments, the jury in the ski trial involving actor Gwyneth Paltrow and retired optometrist Terry Sanderson is returning to court and is expected to deliver a verdict soon.
Paltrow’s team argued that not only did Paltrow not cause the accident but also that the injuries sustained by Sanderson from the crash are not as bad as he claims.
Meanwhile, Sanderson’s team continued the David v Goliath narrative and argued that his injuries resulted in long-term damages that have lasted several years.
The soon-to-be delivered verdict comes after a week of a closely watched trial that saw both Paltrow and Sanderson intensely questioned and have prompted online fascination – and mockery – towards Paltrow’s “billionaire chic” court fashion as well as dry and seemingly out-of-touch statements such as having “lost half a day of skiing”.
Sanderson is suing Paltrow for $300,000 in damages while Paltrow is countersuing for a symbolic $1 and attorney fees.
