Gwyneth Paltrow accuser in ‘really negative place’ after actress ‘crashed into him’ on ski slope, his daughter tells court
The daughter of a man allegedly struck in the back by Gwyneth Paltrow in a ‘hit-and-run’ ski crash has told a US court he is now “in a really negative place” after the incident.
Polly Sanderson-Grasham said before the 2016 collision Terry Sanderson was a “fun-loving, gregarious” man, a “goer” and a “real positive influence”, as well as an experienced skier.
But she told jurors her father’s now “easily frustrated… gets agitated, angry” and “he’s got a pretty short fuse”.
She also said she didn’t have a memory of him being an angry person before.
Terry Sanderson. Pic: AP
“I think he’s just a little more cautious, not as confident – he’s in a really negative place and that’s hard for me as his daughter,” she explained.
Retired optometrist Mr Sanderson, 76, is suing the Hollywood star for $300,000 (£244,000), claiming she was “out of control” and struck the fellow skier, causing him to suffer a brain injury, four broken ribs and other serious injuries.
Jurors heard the incident in Utah seven years ago “completely changed his life”, with injuries likely to be “long-standing”.
Paltrow, 50, is accused of leaving the scene without saying a word after the collision at the Deer Valley Resort on 26 February 2016.
The Shakespeare in Love star denies Mr Sanderson’s claims and alleges it was he who crashed into her. She is counter-suing him for $1.
Polly Sanderson-Grasham in court. Pic: AP
Pic: AP
‘Slap in the face’
Ms Sanderson-Grasham told the court in Park City, Utah, that at his granddaughter’s graduation about three months after the crash, seeing the state of him was like “a slap in the face”.
She said: “I felt like ‘wow’. There was a moment when I almost expected drool to come out of his mouth.
“He wasn’t engaged with anyone… that was my first slap in the face that something is terribly wrong.”
He could now not “see the forest for the trees” and got stuck “in the minutiae” of things, according to Ms Sanderson-Grasham.
She later became emotional, telling the court: “I hope that he moves on. I hope that we’re able to put this very strange chapter behind us.
“We have a lot of healing to do.”
Earlier, the court was told Mr Sanderson “pretty much” lost his love of life after the crash.
Pic: AP
‘It was affecting his personal life, his relationships’
On the third day of proceedings, neuropsychologist Dr Alina Fong gave video evidence, saying when she first met Mr Sanderson in 2017, he presented “a myriad” of symptoms which indicated having suffered a concussion.
She said: “According to Terry’s report, these were quite significantly affecting his life. It was affecting his personal life, his relationships.
“It affected him on so many levels, especially for someone who was used to loving life… by the time he came to me that was pretty much gone.”
Her words echoed those of fellow neuropsychologist Dr Sam Goldstein, who on Wednesday said the 2016 incident caused an “acute rapid downturn” in Mr Sanderson’s behaviour and functioning that had not stemmed from pre-existing medical issues.
“Were it not for that particular accident, the life he was living (prior)… would be the life he would still be living,” Dr Goldstein said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Radiologist doubts ‘plausibility’ of Paltrow story
Dr Fong challenged the opinions of other medical experts employed by Ms Paltrow’s defence, adding: “This has completely changed his life physically, emotionally, biologically – and he has been affected in all those domains.”
She said there was no evidence “whatsoever” that Mr Sanderson was “faking” his injuries and he had been “an ideal patient”.
Read more:
Day one’s evidence
Day two’s evidence
On ski slopes, Utah law gives the skier who is downhill the right of way, and a central question in the case is who was farther down the run when the collision happened.
Both Paltrow and Mr Sanderson claim they were further downhill when the other rammed into them, causing their skis to intertwine and the pair to tumble.
The case continues.
A-ha frontman Morten Harket has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 65-year-old has been lead singer of the Norwegian band since it was founded in 1982 – and sung the track “Take On Me” which remains one of the most popular songs of the 1980s.
In a statement on the band’s website, and confirmed by record label Sony Music, Harket said he had undergone
several rounds of brain surgery and that he was managing the symptoms of the disease.
Parkinson’s causes deterioration in the brain’s nervous system, leading to tremors and other symptoms that can become
progressively worse over time.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The disease can be treated with surgery and medication, but there is no cure.
Harket said he underwent neurological procedures to have electrodes implanted inside his brain last year and that this had reduced the symptoms.
Read more entertainment news:
Jessie J diagnosed with early breast cancer
Meghan shares photos of Lilibet
Parks and Rec doctor shot dead
Known for the wide range of his voice, Harket said he did not know if he would be able to perform again.
“I’ve got no problem accepting the diagnosis,” he said, adding that it was difficult to balance medication and managing
side effects of the treatment.
“I’m trying the best I can to prevent my entire system from going into decline,” Harket said.
Formed in 1982 by Harket and his friends Paul Waaktaar-Savoy and Magne Furuholmen, A-ha saw a global breakthrough in 1985 with their debut album “Hunting High and Low” featuring “Take On Me” and the hit “The Sun Always Shines on TV”.
Singer Jessie J has been diagnosed with “early breast cancer”.
The Price Tag singer, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, said in a video posted to Instagram that she has recently spent a lot of time “in and out of tests”.
She said she will “disappear for a bit” after performing at Capital Radio’s Summertime Ball later this month to have surgery.
“I was diagnosed with early breast cancer,” the 37-year-old said during the video.
“Cancer sucks in any form, but I’m holding on to the word ‘early’.
“It’s a very dramatic way to get a boob job. I am going to disappear for a bit after Summertime Ball to have my surgery, and I will come back with massive tits and more music.”
Jessie J at the BAFTA awards earlier this year. Pic: PA
‘I need a hug’
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK.
The singer said sharing her diagnosis publicly has helped her process the news and show solidarity with others going through a similar experience.
“I just wanted to be open and share it,” she said.
“One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I’m not processing it because I’m working so hard.
“I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I’m an open book.
“It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse – that’s the bit that kills me.”
She continued: “The timing of it has been mad but also beautiful and given me this incredible perspective in this time.
“But honestly I need to process it and talk about it and, I need a hug. You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don’t want this to be any different.”
‘I’m here for you’
Messages of support from celebrities flooded the comments section under the singer’s post.
Former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock wrote: “Sending you so much love.”
Fellow singer Rita Ora said: “You’re literally my favourite person and I’m praying for you, you’ve got this. My mother had it and I know the surgery and any treatment on this matter is mentally tough, so I’m here for you.”
Read more from Sky News:
Meghan shares photos of Lilibet
Musk calls Trump-backed tax bill a ‘disgusting abomination’
London-born singer Jessie J welcomed her son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, in 2023, having miscarried in November 2021.
She has battled with ill health throughout her life, having been diagnosed with a heart condition aged eight, suffering a minor stroke aged 18 and having briefly gone deaf in 2020.
Entertainment
‘Each day is brighter and better’: Meghan shares photos of Lilibet to mark fourth birthday
The Duchess of Sussex has posted pictures of her daughter Lilibet in a touching message on her fourth birthday.
Meghan wrote on Instagram: “Happy birthday to our beautiful girl!
“Four years ago today, she came into our lives – and each day is brighter and better because of it. Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!”
Meghan also posted a picture of her holding Lilibet as a newborn
Read more:
Meghan shares new picture of son Archie on his sixth birthday
Alongside the birthday wishes, Meghan posted two pictures of her with her daughter.
In one, the pair sport windswept hair with water behind them, while in the other, the Duchess holds her daughter – named after the late Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet – as a newborn.
Last month, Meghan spoke about the challenges of balancing being an entrepreneur and a mother.
Alongside Prince Harry, the duchess stepped back from her duties as a senior working royal in 2020 – before starting a new life in the US.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway