The trial’s most bizarre moments have garnered much social media attention.
Topline
Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski accident trial is taking social media by storm, producing viral moments like the actress shielding her face in court with a $250 notebook, offering “treats” to courtroom staff, and answering questions about her height and friendship with Taylor Swift.Key Facts
Paltrow is in court this week over allegations she crashed into retired optometrist Terry Sanderson on a Park City, Utah, ski slope, breaking his ribs and causing permanent brain damage (Paltrow instead claims Sanderson crashed into her and filed a counterclaim, seeking just $1 in damages and attorney’s fees).
Sanderson, 76, claims the incident, which took place in February 2016, was a hit-and-run and is suing for $300,000 (he initially sued for $3 million).
Paltrow has accused Sanderson of suing to exploit her fame for money: After the crash, Sanderson exchanged emails with his daughter under the subject line, “I’m famous … At what cost?” though his daughter, Polly Sanderson Grasham, said in a testimony this week he was just making light of a serious situation.
Some on social media branded Paltrow’s lawyer, Stephen Owens, “goofy” as he waved around a dollar bill as a prop during his opening argument Tuesday to emphasize that Paltrow was countersuing for just $1, arguing it mattered because the crash ruined Paltrow’s family skiing trip.
While Owens was conducting a cross examination, Sanderson’s lawyer raised an objection, to which Owens responded, “I don’t want an objection, your honor,” prompting the judge to tell Owens he can’t decide whether the plaintiff objects or not.
Paltrow’s legal team also garnered online ridicule after Owens asked the judge if they could bring in “treats for the bailiffs for how helpful they’ve been,” a request the judge denied.
On the second day of the trial, Paltrow’s lawyer complained about a new camera in the courtroom that pointed directly at Paltrow, which he claimed violated the court’s decorum order and frustrated Paltrow who already dealt with reporters photographing her while entering and leaving the courthouse.
