The Background of the Lawsuit
Actress and lifestyle guru, Gwyneth Paltrow has found herself embroiled in a civil court case, which is being waged by 76-year-old retired optometrist, Terry Sanderson. The lawsuit is a result of an alleged ski accident that occurred at Park City, Utah in 2016, between Paltrow and Sanderson.
According to the lawsuit, Sanderson claims that Paltrow hit him while skiing at Deer Valley, resulting in broken ribs and brain injury symptoms. However, Paltrow denies these allegations and has countersued Sanderson for $1. She alleges that Sanderson actually collided into her.
Clips of the Paltrow’s Ski Trial Goes Viral on TikTok
The highlight of Paltrow’s trial has been the viral clips on social media platform TikTok. Many users have criticized her for being “out of touch” during her testimony. However, some have applauded her unabashed embrace of her wealth and privilege.
During the trial, Attorney Kristin VanOrma questioned Paltrow about how the skiing accident prevented her from enjoying a very expensive vacation. “Well, I lost half a day of skiing,” Paltrow responded nonchalantly. Her lack of interest in the severity of the incident made her an iconic figure in the saga.
Who had the Right of Way?
The crux of the case centers around who had the right of way during the incident. As per skiing etiquette, skiers in front always have the right of way. Both Paltrow and Sanderson were taking up the entire run and collided awkwardly.
Paltrow alleges that Sanderson skied into her back, while Sanderson claims that Paltrow didn’t stick around to make sure he was OK. Regardless of who hit who, the proper etiquette is to wait around to ensure everyone is OK.
Paltrow’s Unabashed Wealth and Privilege
Paltrow’s sheer unabashed embrace of her wealth and privilege has a refreshing, counterintuitive appeal, especially in contrast with other stars who are often criticized for trying to appear as commoners.
Paltrow has shown up in court with a $250 notebook, which only adds to the mystique around her lavish lifestyle. While she may come across as out of touch on the stand, her unabashed wealth and privilege seem authentic in the larger context.
The Saga Continues
As the trial continues to heat up, commenters have warned critics that their open distaste might not “age well,” saying: “I think we might be going into a Gwenissance.”
While Paltrow’s appearance at trial doesn’t necessarily reflect her standing in the court of mountaintown opinion, it is clear that both Paltrow and Sanderson are considered jerrys or bad skiers. They are a liability on the slopes.
Regardless of the outcome of the trial, it is evident that mountains full of people who don’t know what they’re doing are unsafe. Furthermore, it serves as a reminder that accidents can happen anywhere — even on a ski run.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
