Arts·Interview

How Gwyneth Paltrow's he-said-ski-said trial captured the Internet's attention

Culture writer Amil Niazi delves into the drama unfolding in a Park City courtroom, where Gwyneth Paltrow is denying she struck a man while skiing out of control — claiming instead that he collided with her. The details reveal a window into Gwyneth’s world — and the performance of a lifetime.

Paltrow is denying she struck a man while skiing out of control — claiming instead that he collided with her

A woman testifies in court.
Gwyneth Paltrow testifies during her trial, Friday, March 24, 2023, in Park City, Utah. Paltrow is accused in a lawsuit of crashing into a skier during a 2016 family ski vacation, leaving him with brain damage and four broken ribs. (Rick Bowmer, Pool/The Associated Press)

Gwyneth Paltrow is currently in court over a 2016 ski collision at an upscale Utah ski resort.

The actor is being sued by a retired optometrist who claims that Paltrow hit him on the bunny slope at the ultra-exclusive Deer Valley Ski Resort. He says the collision caused a concussion, which resulted in hardships including his inability to enjoy wine tastings.

The actor and businesswoman has insisted that the incident wasn't her fault, claiming instead that it began when the man suing her ran into her from behind.

As the trial plays out, the details provided have offered a window into her world — and perhaps even the performance of a lifetime. Culture writer Amil Niazi has been following this case. She explains why it feels at times more like a courtroom dramedy than real life.

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amelia Eqbal is a digital associate producer, writer and photographer for Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud and Q with Tom Power. Passionate about theatre, desserts, and all things pop culture, she can be found on Twitter @ameliaeqbal.