Public opinion of actress Gwyneth Paltrow seems to have changed following her big win in a ski collision lawsuit.
Paltrow was sued by retired optometrist Terry Sanderson in 2019 in a ski fall that he claimed left him severely injured. However, a jury ruled that the Goop founder was not at fault in the accident and was awarded $1 in damages on Thursday. Sanderson himself was found 100% at fault for the collision.
Earlier in the conflict ski trial, which lasted eight days in Utah state court, Paltrow received a favorable reaction from the public. The Oscar-winning actress has faced tremendous backlash over the years for her opinions and comments, including the recent drama over “overcoming hunger.”
Gwyneth Paltrow’s behavior in her civil lawsuit could change public opinion of the actress, PR experts told Fox News Digital. (CBS)
GWYNETH PALTROW’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL: SKIING CRASH VERDICT FOR ‘FAMILY FED’ AND ‘ANOUNDED FIRE’
The actress revealed that she often eats bone broth for lunch and usually veggies for dinner. After being accused of promoting hunger, Paltrow exposed herself on Instagram. “I eat full meals,” he insisted. “I also have days where I eat whatever I want, French fries or whatever.
Paltrow also came under fire when she announced that she and her husband Chris Martin were planning to divorce after 10 years of marriage rather than consciously being single. He reflected on the backlash in a 2020 op-ed: “Public shock quickly gave way to anger and derision. A strange combination of amusement and anger that I had never seen. The intensity of the response saw me bury my head in the sand deeper than I ever had in my public life.
The lifestyle brand Goop, founded by Paltrow, also promoted “vagina barbells” and pushed overpriced items.
But many of Paltrow’s former critics found themselves rooting for her in the ski crash trial. Paltrow’s behavior throughout the trial proved to be a “genre act,” PR and brand experts told Fox News Digital.
Gwyneth Paltrow and her attorney Steve Owens laugh after reading the verdict. (Rick Bowmer)
GWYNETH PATROW wins SKI SKIING CONTEST
“Sometimes it takes a certain chance for someone to show their true colors and who they really are, letting go of all the silly rumors and perceptions,” explained Steve Honig of The Honig Co. “Paltrow handled the situation very well, both verbally and nonverbally.”
“To whom they approach, people want to see someone stand up. This will undoubtedly be the pivot of the people about his opinion.”
Celebrity branding expert and founder of Achilles PR Doug Eldridge explained that Paltrow chose to be “authentic” and act like an actress herself in this trial.
“Gwyneth,” Paltrow’s name, is so fitting because, much like Wes Anderson’s character, she is truly one of a kind, she explained. “He received a positive PR bump after the trial for four reasons: 1) he won, 2) $1 dollar (with likely mid-six figures in legal fees), 3) his answers were funny, and 4) the courtroom was timely and efficient.
“On the latter two points, you have to understand that Paltrow’s fan base is almost entirely female, which is relevant but for entirely unique reasons. On the clothing front, civil trials have become an extension of the red carpet – the opportunity. Celebrities to extend and personify a personal brand, as Johnny Depp did last year with his Dior company,” he added. “For Paltrow, she played her mute chick from Dahmer’s glasses, she knew what the jurors and fans wanted to see, and she nailed it. We’re a visual company, and it’s played a game. “
Gwyneth Paltrow wore a sweater and cream glasses for her first court appearance at the 2016 Ski Incident. (Rick Bowmer)
Eldridge further noted that Paltrow knows what the public thinks about her and uses it to her advantage.
“Secondly, Paltrow was leaning into her stereotype and getting exactly what viewers wanted — parts on par with Gwyneth, Goop, Great Expectations, and Margo Tenenbaum,” explained Eldridge. “Well,” he said, “he lost half a day of skiing,” and he said it with such excusable candor that even the most Cracker Barrel viewers would smile and think, “The man thinks.” Paltrow didn’t try to be more likable or likable to the jurors, as she often does, but she embraced her most worthy criticisms and in doing so came away authentic, believable, and even likable.
“At a time when everyone wants to add a filter or round the edges to make a square peg meet the audience’s round hole,” Paltrow delivered her best performance to date: she played herself.
Gwyneth Paltrow talks to confidential optometrist Terry Sanderson as he walks out of court following the reading of the verdict in the ski trial conflict. (Rick Bowmer)
After the conclusion of the trial, Paltrow stood up and whispered something in Sanderson’s ear before leaving the court.
The actress revealed to Sanderson, “I hope so,” to which he replied, “Thank you.”
The case, brought by Sanderson against Paltrow, was seen by some – including PR expert Dave Quast – as “extremely opportunistic”.
“Pitrow conducted himself extremely well in court, and the conclusion was quite impressive, considering the absurdity of his most opportunistic actions,” Red Banyan’s senior vice president told Fox News Digital. “It could have only helped his public image among those who were looking after his business.”
Gwyneth Paltrow walks out of the courtroom after reading the fifth sentence. (Rick Bowmer)
GWYNETH PALTROW TESTIFIES IN SKI JUDGMENT WHICH WAS INITIALLY BELIEVED TO BE AN INJURY ACCIDENT
Paltrow’s attorneys convinced jurors that Sanderson’s version of the ski collision did not match the facts and that he was wrong about who caused the impact.
“Maybe you’ve seen a pattern over the course of these last two weeks or two,” James Egan told jurors. “On the one hand you have achievements, and on the other hand you have ornaments. On the other hand you have objective, and on the other hand you have subjective reports. On the other hand you have what happened. And what they perceive in the past and in the past again.
Egan, along with Stephen Owen, also claims that Sanderson’s doubt about the ongoing injury from the ski encounter to make the loss, pointing to the optometrist’s withdrawal during several trips around the world filled with activity.
During Sanderson’s investigation, Owens showed jurors a round of photos of Sanderson’s various excursions after the crash – including trips to Peru, Germany, Morocco, scuba diving, zip-lining, bike rides and boat trips.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s lawyers have shown Terry Sanderson photos from her social media accounts. (Rick Bowmer)
Sanderson said his travels are “part of the healing process.” “I have been told by several neurologists and therapists, “Go back to your routine. “The sooner you can do that, the better off you’ll be.”
“Looking back at that time, I wanted to prove that I didn’t have mental issues,” he said.
GWYNETH PATROW BACK SKI CLAIMANT BLAMES ACTRESS FOR THREE ‘NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCES’ POST-SHOT
Gwyneth Paltrow will attend the eighth day of the trial. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
In the end, the jury sided with Paltrow – who Sanderson claimed had groped her from behind.
Paltrow testified that she initially thought “something wrong” was going on when Sanderson’s skis came between her and pressed against her back.
“I was confused at first, and I didn’t know exactly what was going to happen. It’s really strange to be on a ski slope,” he recalled. “I tied it up, and I’d say I was very upset a couple of seconds later.”
Gwyneth Paltrow testifies on March 24. (Rick Bowmer)
Gwyneth Paltrow claimed Terry Sanderson skied into her from behind. (Rick Bowmer-Pool)
The “Shakespeare in Love” actress initially thought she might be sexually assaulted.
“That was a quick thought that was going through my head when I was trying to reconcile what was happening,” explained Paltrow. “Two skis came between my skis legs apart and his body was pressing into me.”
“My brain was trying to figure out what was going on,” he added. I thought, is this a practical joke? Is it wrong for someone to do something? My mind was racing, and my mind was trying to figure out what had happened.
GWYNETH PALTROW’S VERSION OF SKI RUNNING ‘MATCHES’ THE LAWS OF PHYSICS: AN EXPERT
The jury found Terry Sanderson 100% guilty. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
Terry Sanderson testified that Gwyneth Paltrow hit him from behind. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
Paltrow’s behavior during the legal battle probably earned her some “respect,” but some of her critics can blame it on the Oscar-winning actress, PR expert Kathy Fielder explained to Fox News Digital.
“In my professional opinion, the media always has the premise of someone with Ms. Paltrow’s celebrity status. Polar public figures are admired and despised for their many choices,” Fielder said. “Ms. Paltrow’s true fans continue to love and support her, and perhaps gain greater respect for herself, while many of her critics continue to hate her simply for who she is and her choices professionally and/or personally.”
“Regarding Ms. Paltrow’s case, she stood her ground and handled this situation with grace and poise. Her reputation as a public figure is always in question,” he added. “This case deserves some respect in his eyes, I think.”
Fielder noted that Paltrow’s decision to “put herself in the line of fire” and “take a stand” on something she felt was wrong earned her fierce respect.
“Opposite opinions about Gwenyth Paltrow, anyone, a public figure or not, who treats such a situation, deserves the utmost respect, and completes it with the will to do well. Mr. Sanderson at the end of the trial approved Ms. Paltrow. he says, “there is a kind of act.”
Gwyneth Paltrow first got it in 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, Pool)
Click here to sign up for the Entertainment NEWSLETTER
Paltrow and Sanderson fight over the law the result was a 2016 ski collision that left Sanderson seriously injured, according to the 2019 lawsuit. Jurors heard testimony from doctors discussing Sanderson’s medical condition before and after the collision during eight days of testimony.
Sanderson accused the Goop founder of skiing off after the accident, which left him with “permanent traumatic brain injury, four broken ribs, pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life,” along with emotional discomfort and disfigurement, according to the lawsuit.
Sanderson obtained the first actress, Deer Valley Resort and instructor for $3.1 million and claimed to be the victim of a bike accident. The judge dismissed the dispute, and Deer Valley Resort and the instructor were dismissed from the suit.
Paltrow filed suit, saying Sanderson had previously admitted he had no clear case of memory.
Click here to get the FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital’s Tracy Wright contributed to this report.
