Gwynocent! Gwyneth Paltrow Wins Her Ski Accident Trial

Gwyneth Paltrow can let out a sigh of relief. The actress emerged victorious in her trial against optometrist Terry Sanderson last week. A jury declared Paltrow not responsible for a ski accident in 2016 that left Sanderson with fractured ribs.

It’s no secret that our generation is obsessed with celebrities. Their outfits, diets, workouts, weddings, or divorces… the public follows every move without skipping a beat. The latest object of scrutiny? Celebrities’ legal issues.

2021 saw netizens wondering if Britney Spears would ever win her battle to end a 13-year conservatorship. Then, in 2022, no one could escape Johnny Depp and ex-wife Amber Heard’s showdown. The media circus surrounding this trial eclipsed other news. But, once this legal drama concluded, there was a void to fill.

Enter Oscar winner-turned wellness-entrepreneur, Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress was sued for damages resulting from a ski collision.

While this trial wasn’t as divisive as the previous one, it still provided plenty of entertainment.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s case

During a February 2016 holiday at a Utah ski resort, Gwyneth Paltrow had an unfortunate event. The actress bumped into another skier on the slopes, 76-year-old Dr. Sanderson. While Gwyneth came out unscathed, the optometrist didn’t have such luck. Terry Sanderson sustained a concussion and four broken ribs.

According to his legal team, Sanderson’s injury resulted in other post-accident symptoms. This situation prompted him in 2019 to file a lawsuit against Paltrow, seeking $ 300 000 of reparation. Gwyneth retaliated with a countersuit, aiming for a symbolic dollar and lawyer fees.

The trial was held in Salt Lake City, a town synonym with the famous Sundance Film Festival (and a local Real Housewives franchise).

Both parties gave their accounts of the skiing incident. Experts and witnesses took the stand to share their testimonies. Overall, the trial’s core was determining who was liable for the collision.

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A goldmine of memes

The extensive proceedings featured tense, funny, and viral moments. For instance, a member of Paltrow’s legal team asked the judge if they might bring in treats for the bailiffs prompting widespread online mockery. The judge denied this unusual request.

At some point, a lawyer questioned Gwyneth on her relationship with Taylor Swift. However, Gwyneth shot down any hopes of a crossover. She and Taylor aren’t friends, but her kids have attended Swift’s concerts.

The internet also noticed Mrs. Paltrow’s attractive attorney, James Egan. TV host Katie Couric agreed with the general sentiment, calling him cute on Twitter.

After reviewing all files and depositions, the jury eventually ruled that Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t at fault in the crash. Satisfied with this verdict,  the actress even wished Sanderson well at the exit of the courtroom.

The wellness influencer can safely return to her Goopy activities and ski. Meanwhile, #Gwynocent is trending, and Saturday Night Live has enough material for an epic sketch.