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Gwyneth Paltrow took the stand in a Utah courtroom on Friday, testifying about a 2016 ski collision.
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The actress alleged that Terry Sanderson, who is suing her for $3 million, was responsible for the crash.
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Paltrow looked shocked after Sanderson’s lawyer accused her of lying several times.
Actress and “Goop” mogul Gwyneth Paltrow took the stand Friday and recounted the 2016 ski collision that has since landed her in a Utah courtroom where she and a retired optometrist are battling over dueling negligence claims.
The actress and “Goop” creator offered up her version of events on the fourth day of the trial this week, emphatically arguing that it was Terry Sanderson, the man suing her for $3 million, and not she, who was responsible for the mountaintop accident years ago.
“Mr. Sanderson categorically hit me on that ski slope,” Paltrow said on the stand.
Witnesses throughout the trial thus far have offered contradictory accounts as to who was at fault in the crash, which left Sanderson with four broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury, per medical records.
Sanderson, 76, sued Paltrow in 2019 over the collision on a beginner slope at Deer Valley Resort in Utah, alleging she crashed into him. Paltrow later countersued Sanderson for negligence, alleging that he was responsible for the accident.
In court on Friday, Paltrow testified that she was skiing with her two kids and their ski instructor when Sanderson skied into her back; she said she felt two skis go underneath her skis before she and Sanderson both fell to the ground.
Sanderson is seeking $3 million in damages compared to Paltrow, who is asking for $1, plus reimbursed attorney fees. In court on Friday, the actress said she first learned about the symbolic legal tactic from singer Taylor Swift, who successfully sued a DJ for $1 for assault and battery in 2017.
The standout moment of the day came when Sanderson’s lawyer, Kristin Van Orman, accused Paltrow of lying on the stand and the actress reacted with visible shock.
Following the “Goop” founder’s testimony, during which she said she was not typically accident-prone, Van Orman zeroed in on Paltrow’s comments about her stability and said she wanted to ask the actress about statements she previously made during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in which she said she was always bumping into things.
“She’s lied under oath a number of times,” Van Orman said in court on Friday.
Cameras inside the courtroom captured Paltrow’s immediate response as she dropped her jaw in apparent disbelief at the accusation.
“We believe she ran into things as she always does,” Van Orman continued.
Judge Kent Holmberg quickly shut down the line of questioning following the lawyer’s allegation against Paltrow, and Orman apologized, saying she was drawing on the actress’ prior inconsistent statements.
Paltrow told the courtroom that she didn’t ask if Sanderson was hurt following the crash, but stayed on the mountain long enough to hear him say he was okay. She testified that she hurt her back and knee in the collision but did not seek medical care following the accident.
Earlier this week, lawyers for both parties said Sanderson emailed his daughters hours after the crash and said “I’m famous,” referencing his collision with the Oscar winner.
Paltrow’s 16-year-old son Moses is set to take the stand next week.
Attorneys for Paltrow and Sanderson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Read the original article on Insider
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