Actress Gwyneth Paltrow was victorious in a Utah court trial on Thursday, as a jury found her not liable in an accident case involving a ski collision. The jury found Dr. Terry Sanderson, who had sued her for $300,000, to be 100 percent at fault.
The accident occurred in 2016 at the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, where Paltrow and Sanderson had collided. Paltrow had countersued for $1.
When the verdict was read, Paltrow was the first to leave the courtroom, approaching Sanderson on her way out and touching him on the back, whispering “I wish you well.” Sanderson responded, “Thank you, dear.”
Sanderson said he was “very disappointed” in the verdict, but maintained that he had “brought absolutely the truth to the accident.” He said he felt it was an uphill battle to take on a celebrity, as they are “assumed to have credibility.”
Paltrow’s attorney, Steven Owens, said they were “pleased with the outcome” and that Paltrow “will continue to stand up for what’s right.” Paltrow’s representative released a statement on the trial, saying she was “pleased with the outcome and appreciative of the judge and jury’s consideration.”
Cynthia Augello, a partner at Warren Law Group, said Paltrow’s attire had made the right impression, as even her clothing can “unconsciously convey significant information about them.” Augello said it was important for Paltrow to appear “approachable and relatable” to avoid the impression of superiority.
After the trial, Paltrow won her case and wished her opponent well. The court had ruled that Dr. Sanderson was 100 percent at fault for the collision, and Paltrow had countersued for $1. Paltrow’s attorney said they were “pleased with the outcome,” and her representative released a statement thanking the judge and jury for their consideration. Sanderson said he was “very disappointed” in the verdict, but maintained that he had “brought absolutely the truth to the accident.” The trial was a reminder of the power of appearances, as Paltrow’s attire was deemed to have made the right impression.
