Paltrow awarded $1 and cleared of fault over ski crash

After a two-week trial that was broadcast live and sparked a thousand memes, a jury of eight unanimously concluded that Terry Sanderson was at fault in a ski collision with Gwyneth Paltrow seven years ago.

To recap:

• Paltrow was sued for $300,000 in damages by Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired eye doctor. She counter sued him for $1 plus her legal fees
• Each blamed each other for a ski collision that occurred in 2016 and testified in court to that effect

• The trial largely focused on who was the uphill skier, since the skier downhill always has the right of way
• Experts on human anatomy, biomechanical engineering and physics took turns testifying about alleged injuries and how they could have been theoretically caused

• Sanderson says Paltrow spoke briefly to him after the trial, and that they had a pleasant exchange
• Outside the court he said he regretted bringing the case and called the ruling "very disappointing"
• Paltrow did not comment, but a lawyer for her outside the court said that her team is "pleased"
• "Gwyneth has a history of advocating for what she believes in. This situation was no different and she will continue to stand up for what is right,” said her lawyer

Gwyneth Paltrow has made an outstanding contribution to entertainment over the decades - and we're not just talking about her films.

Brilliant as she was in Sliding Doors, Paltrow has become equally well known for her real-life escapades such as "consciously uncoupling" from former husband Chris Martin, eating bone broth for lunch and launching a vagina-scented candle (currently sold out).

However, her greatest contribution to the office water-cooler may be the recent trial over a skiing collision which has prompted a blizzard of headlines and provided many memorable quotes.

The trial was certainly no laughing matter for Sanderson, who said he was left with brain damage and broken ribs following the collision.

But it has also proved more compelling than even the most explosive episode of Judge Judy.

From her offer of "treats" for courtroom staff, to her lost half day of skiing and her height and friendship with Taylor Swift, here are six of the wackiest highlights.

Read more:

Gwyneth Paltrow: Six ski trial moments, from treats to Taylor Swift

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Paltrow, who the judge allowed to depart earlier than everyone else to avoid further spectacle, was seen leaning over and speaking to her accuser as she left.

As we reported earlier, Sanderson says she told him "I wish you well".

He told reporters his reply was "thank you dear".

The interaction was not caught on microphone, and so far Sanderson is the only one who has described the exchange.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Actress and lifestyle influencer Gwyneth Paltrow rejects Sanderson’s version of events and alleges he skied directly into her back.

She testified last Friday that she was going downhill when she saw a pair of skis appear between her skis, heard "strange grunting" noises and felt a body pressing into her from behind.

Her first impression was that she was being sexually assaulted, she said, claiming they fell on the ground together, skis tangled up, and were "almost spooning".

She told the court she had screamed a profanity at Sanderson and did not ask him if he was OK because she felt "hurt and violated".

The crash left Paltrow with a sore knee but no other injuries. Her lawyers argue that Sanderson brought his suit because she is a famous celebrity.

They also blame the crash in part on several pre-existing medical conditions Sanderson had, including hearing and vision loss from a stroke.

It felt like the Gwyneth Paltrow ski-crash trial had more re-enactments than a comedy sketch show. So what really went down on the slopes? The entire case hinged on whom-hit-whom and jurors had to decide which skier - Ms Paltrow or Mr Sanderson - was lower down on the slope.

According to the Utah ski resort's safety bylaws, the person downhill has the right of way.

BBC NewsCopyright: BBC News

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

After losing in a very public way to one of the most famous women in the world, Terry Sanderson has lamented that this trial means he's "going to be on the internet forever".

So who was he before he decided to take on Gwyneth Paltrow?

The former US army captain and retired optometrist filed suit against Paltrow in 2019, three years after their skiing collision in Utah.

Sanderson, 76, says he has never been injured in more than 30 years of skiing.

In trial, a doctor testified that he led an active retirement.

“Terry had been a high-functioning, active person,” neuroradiology specialist Dr Wendell Gibby told the court. “Every day he was doing lots of things. Meeting groups, wine tasting, skiing, volunteering."

But after the accident, Sanderson said he was unable to enjoy life.

On the stand, one of his adult daughters said her father has become "obsessed" with getting an apology from Paltrow, and that his mood changed after the accident.

Another daughter said before the accident he was "outgoing" but is now "easily frustrated".

Paltrow's team said in court that a third daughter, who gave a deposition, said she had not spoken to her father in years because he could be verbally abusive.

Lawyer Steve Owens claimed she said he would be "dishonest for money and notoriety".

BBCCopyright: BBC

Speaking to media outside the courthouse after losing his suit against Gwyneth Paltrow, Terry Sanderson said the verdict was "very disappointing".

Although the jury found him at fault in the crash, Sanderson maintained he was the one hit: "I've never been hit so hard in my life".

So, was the trial worth it? "Absolutely not," he said. "I'm going to be on the internet forever."

Paltrow spoke to him after the verdict and said "I wish you well". He says he replied: "Thank you dear."

"You get some assumed credibility from being a famous person. Who takes on a celebrity?" he told media. "I believe she thinks she's telling the truth."

Kristin VanOrman, a lawyer for Terry Sanderson, spoke to media outside court.

The jury "did what they felt was correct," she said.

"I’ve been doing this for over 30 years. Juries never surprise me."

She pushed back at people who said she appeared "starstruck", such as when she told Paltrow she was "jealous" of her height.

"I was not starstruck" during the trial, she said.

"I have newfound appreciation for Ms Paltrow, if she has to deal with all this (referring to the media circus) on a daily basis," she said.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Gwyneth Paltrow exited the courthouse calm, centred and emotionless.

Escorted by two court officers, she walked past the row of reporters looking straight ahead to the SUV waiting for her.

I asked her how she felt and if she was going to celebrate. She looked at me and kept walking.

Law and CrimeCopyright: Law and Crime

Paltrow's defence lawyer has just spoken to us outside the snowy courthouse.

“We’re pleased with this outcome and appreciate the judge and jury’s thoughtful handling of this case," says Steve Owens.

"Gwyneth has a history of advocating for what she believes in. This situation was no different and she will continue to stand up for what is right.”

He adds that Paltrow and her legal team have no further comment on the case.

"Everyone remain seated," the judge says, allowing Paltrow to slip out the door ahead of the audience.

Throughout the trial, her legal team has tried to protect her privacy, and have complained repeatedly about cameras pointed at her in court.

Her lawyer, as his final piece of business, tells the judge that Paltrow will not be making any public statement, but that he plans to speak to reporters outside the court on her behalf.

She may be worth millions, but Gwyneth Paltrow was awarded just $1 for "economic damages" in the case.

Paltrow previously said she asked for the nominal fee because "it's symbolic".

“I’m asking for a dollar for me and then reimbursement of attorneys’ fees, which is a separate thing,” Paltrow said.

The judge is now wrapping up the trial and thanking the jury.

"The American system of justice relies on your time and your sound judgement and you have been generous with both," he tells jurors.

He adds that with the trial over, they are now free to talk about the case publicly.

Gwyneth Paltrow nods to herself as the verdict is read. She appears pleased.

Paltrow also nods at the jurors with a quiet thank you as the judge thanks them for their service and releases them from their duty.

Attorney Robert Sykes puts a hand around Terry Sanderson to console him.

Law and Crime NetworkCopyright: Law and Crime Network

We are back inside Courtroom B. The room is filling up again as we draw closer to seeing a verdict read out. Judge Kent Holmberg says he knows emotions have run high in this trial but he reminds the audience: “There should be no outward reaction when the verdict is read.”

Both legal teams are making their way back into the courtroom and we're expecting a verdict any minute now. Here's what's happened so far in the ski-crash trial that's captivated millions:

• Terry Sanderson, a retired eye doctor, claimed that Gwyneth Paltrow crashed into him and causing brain damage and broken ribs and damaged his relationships with his family
• Paltrow has deined responsibility for the accident and instead says Mr Sanderson ran into her on the ski slope
• Both are suing each other over the incident. Sanderson has asked for $300,000 in damages, while Paltrow has countersued for $1