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Last week, actress Gwyneth Paltrow won a highly publicized lawsuit over a 2016 ski collision.  The accident took place at a posh Utah ski resort during Paltrow’s family vacation. 

Paltrow was sued by Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, over a collision in 2016 during a family vacation. 

The live-streamed trial quickly became a pop culture fixation. And during the two-week event, dozens of attorneys were interviewed to give their views on the case.

It ended with the 8-person jury unanimously deciding in favor of Paltrow. And the jury awarded her the $1 she asked for damages in a symbolic victory.

Paltrow's attorney, Steve Owens, said outside the courtroom that Paltrow has a history of advocating for what she believes in, and will continue to stand up for what is right.

A statement from Paltrow was posted on Instagram to her 8.3 million followers. She expressed her gratitude for the jury's verdict and thanked them for their work. 

She also emphasized that the case was not about money, but about maintaining her integrity and standing up for what she believes in.

Plaintiff’s Reaction 

Paltrow, known for her roles in "Shakespeare in Love" and the "Iron Man" series, has refashioned herself in recent years as a celebrity wellness entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of Goop, a lifestyle brand that focuses on wellness, beauty, and holistic living.

As Paltrow left the court, she touched Sanderson’s shoulder and wished him well. And he said he responded, “Thank you, dear.”

Sanderson, however, questioned whether the lawsuit was worth it and expressed his belief that people tend to naturally trust celebrities like Paltrow. And indicated he believed that influenced the outcome of the trial.

The collision, which occurred on a beginner run at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, was examined in light of the skiing code of conduct. It stipulates that the skier who is downhill or ahead on the slope has the right of way. The word "uphill" became synonymous with "guilty" during the trial. 

Both parties blamed the other for the ski collision. And the now 76-year-old Sanderson broke four ribs and also may have sustained a concussion after the skiers collided.

Ski Collision Trial Highlights 

Paltrow described in detail how Sanderson came in behind her and caused the crash. And depositions from her children and a Deer Valley ski instructor confirmed that this was what she said at the time. 

The ski instructor was the first on the scene. And he filed an accident report with the Lodge on the day of the accident. 

Mr. Sanderson who is blind in one eye, initially claimed he was unconscious and left on the slopes without aid. His friend confirmed his story but could not explain how he could just stand over his unconscious friend and not call for help.

Sanderson's attorney, Robert Sykes, argued, 'He never returned home that night as the same man. Terry has tried to get off that mountain but he´s really still there.' 

There were lots of expert witnesses that testified.

Sanderson claimed that his life was changed forever in 2016. He was also saying that all his issues were the result of the ski accident.

There was evidence that he had pre-existing medical conditions. And that some of the damage that he was claiming was the result of aging.

During closing Paltrow’s attorney showed Sanderson’s Facebook postings. He had started traveling again 2 months after the accident. And had been traveling extensively all over the world in the last few years. He had also been zip-lining and boating. 

The jury believed the actress did not cause the accident and should not be compelled to pay Sanderson.