'She just wants it to be over': Gwyneth Paltrow feeling stressful amid Utah ski accident trial, source reveals
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Gwyneth Paltrow is feeling uneasy about her involvement in an ongoing civil court case stemming from a skiing accident in Park City, Utah, in 2016, a source close to People has revealed. "Any involvement in a trial is stressful. Gwyneth has felt icky about it," the source shared, adding, "For her, the situation is even worse since the trial is streamed and she has a camera in her face every day. It's a very uncomfortable situation. It's very stressful."
The lawsuit, filed by retired optometrist Terry Sanderson in January 2019, alleges negligence on Paltrow's part after a skiing collision on a beginner-level slope at Utah's Deer Valley Resort on February 26, 2016. The Goop founder is expected to testify on Friday and her husband Brad Falchuk, along with their two children, daughter Apple (18) and son Moses (16), are also expected to take the stand at some point during the trial as they were present during the incident.
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Why is Gwyneth Paltrow being sued?
Sanderson filed a lawsuit against Paltrow in 2019 alleging that she collided with him while skiing down a mountain, resulting in the optometrist sustaining broken ribs and a concussion. He added that the instructor made up a false report to put him in the wrong and absolve Paltrow of responsibility. She then filed a countersuit the next month denying the allegations and claiming that Terry was the one who hit her from behind and is now trying to "exploit her celebrity and wealth." Now, Sanderson is seeking $300,000 in damages and Paltrow is countersuing for $1M and the cost of legal fees.
Both parties agree the collision at the center of the trial happened, but they share conflicting points of view on who crashed into whom. When Sanderson first filed his lawsuit in 2019, he sought damages in excess of $3.1 million back then. A representative for Paltrow said at the time, "This lawsuit is completely without merit. Anyone who reads the facts will realize that."
Paltrow looked 'slightly dismissive' during court hearing
Daily Mail reported that body language expert Judi James analyzed the behavior of Gwyneth Paltrow during her court appearance. James observed that Paltrow entered the court "like a school teacher arriving to start lessons" and noted that her body language alternated between two extremes. With raised brows and a lifted chin, Paltrow appeared "superior and slightly dismissive," while she also displayed non-verbal cues indicating a desire to protect herself and hide. James pointed out that Paltrow gave an "oddly nervous-looking girlish giggle" to the judge and tapped her fingers during the prosecutor's speech, suggesting impatience. Additionally, as Paltrow left the courtroom, she covered her face with a notebook or folder, seemingly unaware that she was not on camera, indicating a sudden desire to hide.