Gwyneth Paltrow is still astounded by her infamous ski trial, in which she was found not liable in March 2023.
“It was ridiculous, and I have to say that the idea that someone could ski into your back and knock you down and then sue you? I was like, ‘This is everything that’s wrong with our legal system,’” Paltrow, 52, said on an episode of the “World’s First Podcast” earlier this month. “That’s why I felt like I had to fight it.”
Retired doctor Terry Sanderson sued the Goop founder in 2019, claiming that she severely injured him three years prior when they crashed into one another while skiing in Deer Valley, Utah. Sanderson sought $3.1 million in damages, which he later lowered to $300,000. Paltrow denied the allegations and subsequently countersued Sanderson for $1 in damages and the reimbursement of her legal fees “to defend this meritless claim.” She was ultimately found not liable at the end of the March 2023 trial.
“I’m not going to be shaken down here,” Paltrow added to podcast hosts Erin and Sara Foster. “I’m not doing that.”
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Paltrow’s court battle went viral with eagle-eyed fans dissecting her outfit choices, perceived laughs and eye rolls at the allegations and more. Through it all, she maintained her composure and stressed her continued innocence.
After the judge announced the verdict that Paltrow was not liable, the Oscar winner turned to Sanderson and reportedly said, “I wish you well.”
Paltrow also released a statement at the time.
“I felt that acquiescing to a false claim compromised my integrity,” the actress said in a statement. “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.”
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Paltrow’s attorney, Steve Owens, was also pleased by the trial outcome in a separate statement.
“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,” Owens said.
Months later, Paltrow admitted that it was “so weird” to see her courtroom style making headlines.
“I was just getting dressed and going to a pretty intense experience every day,” she told The New York Times in October 2023. “And the sartorial outcome was so weird to me. That whole thing was pretty weird.”
She further noted that she wanted to move forward from the legal battle.
“I don’t know that I’ve even processed it. It was something I felt like I survived,” Paltrow added to The Times. “Sometimes in my life it takes me a long time to look back and process something and understand something.”
