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Gwyneth Paltrow wins US lawsuit over 2016 skiing collision in Utah

Jurors found that the Oscar-winning actress was not at fault for the collision, which left Terry Sanderson with several broken ribs and head injuries.

Mike Bedigan
Thursday 30 March 2023 23:59 BST
Gwyneth Paltrow found not at fault for 2016 skiing collision

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Gwyneth Paltrow has won her US lawsuit against retired optometrist Terry Sanderson over a 2016 ski crash in Utah.

Jurors found that the Oscar-winning actress was not at fault for the collision, which left Mr Sanderson with several broken ribs and head injuries.

Ms Paltrow had denied the claim, and accused Mr Sanderson of crashing into her, resulting in her losing “half a day of skiing” with her family.

On Thursday jurors returned a verdict in favour of Ms Paltrow after just over two hours of deliberation, apportioning “100%” of the blame for the accident to Mr Sanderson.

She was awarded compensatory damages of one dollar.

Ms Paltrow and Mr Sanderson, who both gave evidence during the trial, were present in court for the verdict.

The actress wore a blue blazer, with a white shirt and brown trousers, and did not appear to react as the verdict was returned, though let out a deep breath.

As she exited the courtroom she touched Mr Sanderson on the shoulder and whispered something to him, though he did not react.

She previously said she felt “very sorry” for his health decline following the incident, but maintained she had not been “at fault” and said she had been the “victim”.

Mr Sanderson’s lawyers previously suggested the jury award him damages of more than three million dollars in the case.

During closing arguments earlier on Thursday the court heard that Ms Paltrow faced a “ransom” for a “meritless claim” and that she had shown “courage” by attending court for the two-week trial.

During the trial the court heard evidence from a number of people, including Ms Paltrow’s two children Apple and Moses Martin, who had been skiing with their mother on the day of the crash.

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