Gwyneth Paltrow insists that she was the victim of a ski collision with a retired optometrist at a Utah resort.
Terry Sanderson is suing the actress for $300,000. (PS245,000) in civil court.
Sanderson, now 76, claims he suffered several broken ribs, a severe concussion and mental and physical injuries from Paltrow’s “slam” on him while skiing.
Paltrow 50 is suing for $1 in symbolic value, claiming Mr Sanderson collided.
Paltrow, who spoke in court Friday, stated that she initially believed she was being sexually assaulted by the collision. She said that she felt “a body pressing against my chest” and heard “a strange grunting sound”.
She said she was “very upset” by the incident, and shouted “You skied directly in my f back!” at Mr Sanderson.
Gwyneth Paltrow ski accident court case – Updates: Star takes the stand
Paltrow, who had been present in court every day since Tuesday, testified on the fourth day.
Paltrow described herself as an “intermediate” skier and was “familiar with the rules of skiing.” She repeated numerous times that Mr Sanderson had skied her into from behind.
Continue reading:
Paltrow accused in a’really bad place’ after actress he ‘crashed into’
Claim that a fellow skier collided with her, but it is not ‘plausible because of the accuser’s injuries
Star “never spoke a word” after hitting another skier and running.
She said, “I was confused at the beginning and I didn’t know what was happening.”
It’s very unusual for something to happen on a slope. I was unable to move and I became very upset just a few seconds later.
She said, “[I thought] this is a practical joke?” Is there someone doing something perverse ?…? My mind was racing and I was trying to figure out what was happening.”
Ms Van Orman, Mr Sanderson’s lawyer, tried to get Paltrow involved in reconstructing the courtroom sequence, but she was unsuccessful and had to re-create the events.
Paltrow stated that “I was skiing, and two skis got between my skis. It forced my legs apart.”
“And then, there was a corps pressing against me.”
“Was his jaw grinding or thrusting?” Ms Van Orman questioned. Ms. Van Orman asked, “What made it a sexual assault?”
Paltrow responded: “It was just a quick thought that ran through my head.
“There was a weird grunting sound and a body behind, so I tried to understand what was happening.
“Remember that when you are a victim of a collision, your psychological outlook is not always about the perpetrator.
“Mr Sanderson has hit me, and that is categorically true.”
Later, Paltrow, who was being cross-examined by Stephen Owens, stated that she felt “very sorry for” Mr Sanderson.
She said, “I truly feel very sorry for him.”
“It appears that he has had a very difficult and stressful life, but I didn’t cause the accident, so I can’t be held responsible for what happened to him.”
Next week, Mr Sanderson will testify.
reply
retweet
favourite
