Gwyneth Paltrow, the Oscar-winning actress and founder of the lifestyle firm Goop, is being sued over a ski accident in 2016. Paltrow was engaged in a ski accident at the luxury Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, with a man called Terry Sanderson. Sanderson has sued Paltrow for $300,000 in damages, saying that she was to blame for the crash, which resulted in significant injuries. Sanderson claims that Paltrow was skiing “out of control” and “at a high rate of speed” when she hit him from behind.
Sanderson also says Paltrow did not stop following the crash and left him laying on the ground
Sanderson was apparently knocked down in the incident, resulting in a concussion and four broken ribs. Sanderson also says Paltrow did not stop following the crash and left him laying on the ground. Paltrow’s reps, however, have contested Sanderson’s characterization of the incident. Paltrow’s representative told People magazine that the actress was “the downhill skier” and Sanderson was “uphill and passing her” at the time of the crash. The spokesman further stated that Paltrow did not flee the scene of the accident and remained with Sanderson until ski patrol arrived to assist.
Despite contradictory reports of what occurred, the lawsuit has drawn attention to the issue of ski safety and slope collisions. Skiing and snowboarding are potentially deadly activities, with collisions between skiers and snowboarders resulting in serious injury or even death. Ski resorts and lawmakers have taken attempts to address this issue in recent years, including creating safety protocols and enacting laws requiring skiers and snowboarders to follow specific rules and regulations.
In Paltrow’s case, the claim will very certainly be settled in court, where a judge or jury will decide who was at fault for the incident and if Sanderson is entitled to compensation. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the necessity of slope safety and the repercussions of reckless or thoughtless behavior.