An alleged ski incident happened at a Utah ski resort seven years ago. It involved a man named Terry Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired military veteran. It also involved well-known actor Gwyneth Paltrow,50.

Why would such a well-known actor be sued? And how?

It dates back to February 26th, 2016, in Deer Valley, Utah. Sanderson said Paltrow had allegedly hit him from behind while both were skiing. So he sued her for a million dollars but then dropped it to $300,000 instead. 

Terry Sanderson Argument

But before all of the madness with lawsuits being involved, let’s date back to the alleged time it happened. Terry Sanderson had claimed that Gwyneth Paltrow herself had been skiing behind him. Paltrow had then turned to watch her children ski as well, and it is quoted, “As she turns her head back down, she screams, then skis into the back of Terry Sanderson.” As a result of the “attack,” Sanderson is left “facedown in the snow, unconscious.” Not only did she injure Terry, but she also appeared left so quickly down the mountain. He was rushed to the emergency room with a concussion and four broken ribs.

There was only one witness during this dramatic and “serious” situation; what a coincidence. He took the stand in court; not only did he defend the “injured,” but he was also his acquaintance that day. On the stand, he mentioned how Paltrow had run him over and witnessed it all; he described the attack as a “very hard slam.”

In this situation, Paltrow has a clear brain, especially when it was said that Terry was left with a very serious effect. In court, it was quoted that Gweneths “neglect, her choices, and her disregard for other people on the mountain all combined together.” So many pieces that “made him himself were gone” both mentally and physically after this great crash.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Argument

But there are always two parts to a story. Not only did she agree that she had collided with him at some point, but it was argued that it was not Gweniths fault herself; it was Terry’s. Returning to her memory, she stated how she felt someone’s body pressing against hers. She said, “I thought, ‘Is this a practical joke? Is someone doing something perverted? This is really, really strange.’” She then led on with how both were on the floor, not even minutes but seconds later. Gwenith herself then stated, recalling from memory just like Terry, “I remember pushing away because I was very upset,” Paltrow said. “I pushed down the hill, and I turned around and yelled at him … I said, ‘You skied directly into my […] back,’ and he said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry.’”

Immediately after the crash, Sanderson apologized to Paltrow after she had confronted him. And she did not leave until Terry had helped himself with other people’s assurance.

It’s quite crazy how similar but yet so different both stories are.

The Trial

The trial began on March 21st, 2023. It was a big day to see who was in the right and who was in the wrong. Many testimonies were taken from various people involved in the before and after. This trial would take a very long time, scheduled for eight days. On the Thursday of the trial, Sanderson’s attorney had suggested the jury award 3 million dollars to his client for all of his “trouble.” he complained that his damages were worth way more than $300,000.

It was gaining a lot of popularity and fame. But it came at the cost of hard work to whoever deserved to win the trial to win it fair game.

At the end of the week, Paltrow had testified how Sanderson had skied into her and not the other way around. She won the Trial with $1 in damages.

After winning, Her attorney stated, “We are pleased with this unanimous outcome and appreciate the judge and jury’s thoughtful handling of the case,” he said. “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.” After announcing the verdict, Paltrow placed her hand on his shoulder, saying to Sanderson, “Wish you well.”