Gwyneth Paltrow testifies she thought ski slope collision was a sex assault
Gwyneth Paltrow has recently testified in court that a particular ski slope collision was a case of sexual assault.
The Oscar-award-winning actor told the Park City, Utah court that she was left feeling 'very upset' when retired optometrist Terry Sanderson, 76, crashed into her on the slopes.
Sanderson has sued the Great Expectations star for $300,000 (£245,000) over the incident which took place in Deer Valley back in February 2016.
Advert
Paltrow is currently facing a civil lawsuit regarding the skiing incident which took place over seven years ago.
According to Sanderson, the actor 'slammed' into him on the slopes.
The 76-year-old claimed that the crash left him with 'permanent traumatic brain injury, four broken ribs, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress and disfigurement'.
Meanwhile, the Goop founder told the court that Sanderson was the actually one to collide into her.
She described herself in court as an 'intermediate' skier who was 'familiar' with the activity and also denied partaking in 'risky behaviour' on the slopes.
The actor stated that she had allegedly shouted: "You skied directly into my f***ing back!" at Sanderson during the time.
Paltrow also added that she thought the collision was a sexual assault stating that she 'froze' when a pair of skis suddenly 'forced [her] legs apart'.
"I was confused at first and I didn't know exactly what was happening," she testified.
"It's a very strange thing to happen on a ski slope. I froze and I would say I got very upset a couple of seconds later."
Paltrow continued: "[I thought] is this a practical joke? Is someone doing something perverted?... my mind was going very quickly and trying to ascertain what was happening."
After being questioned by Sanderson's lawyer, Kristin Van Orman, Paltrow recreated the events that took place back in 2016 for the court.
She said: "I was skiing and two skis came between my skis, forcing my legs apart. And then there was a body pressing against me."
Van Orman then asked: "Was he grinding or thrusting? What made you think it was a sexual assault?"
The Iron Man star responded: "It was a quick thought that went through my head.
"There was a strange grunting noise and a body behind me so I was trying to make sense of what was going on."
Paltrow went on to add: "What you have to remember is that when you're a victim of a crash, your psychology is not necessarily thinking about the person who perpetrated it.
"Mr Sanderson hit me and that is categorically the truth."
Paltrow has since counter-sued Sanderson for the symbolic figure of $1 alongside her legal fees to be covered.
The court case commenced on Tuesday (21 March) with Paltrow's claims being testified on the fourth day of the trial. Sanderson will testify next week as the trial continues.
Rhiannon Ingle