Infamous Podcast: ENCORE – Gwyneth Paltrow’s Ski Trial | Part 2

Podcast: Infamous – Campside Media / Sony Music Entertainment
Episode Date: January 1, 2026
Hosts: Vanessa Grigoriadis, Gabriel Sherman, Natalie Robehmed
Episode Theme: The inside story and courtroom drama of Gwyneth Paltrow’s infamous celebrity ski trial, exploring public perceptions, personal motivations, and the blurred line between victim and villain.

Main Theme & Overview

This episode dives into the conclusion of the highly publicized trial between Gwyneth Paltrow and retiree Terry Sanderson. The hosts revisit key courtroom moments, discuss the trial’s portrayal in the media, dissect the complex personal and public personas of both parties, and reflect on what this case reveals about celebrity, agency, and modern-day scandal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Gwyneth Paltrow on the Stand (00:36–02:19, 19:03–24:28)

• The hosts set the scene: Gwyneth in Park City, Utah, nervously recounting the now-famous ski collision.

• Key testimony:

  • Paltrow describes being confused and "extremely upset," unsure what was happening in the chaotic moment of the crash.
  • She perceived Sanderson as a large man, referencing "strange noises that sounded male" (01:44).
  • The event is characterized as “a very strange thing to happen on the ski slope” (02:10).

• Quote:

  "It's a very strange thing to happen on the ski slope." – Gwyneth Paltrow (02:10)

2. The Vanity Fair Profile Saga & Gwyneth’s Persona (02:55–06:40)

• Vanessa Grigoriadis recounts a failed attempt to write a balanced Vanity Fair profile on Paltrow, highlighting Gwyneth’s control over her narrative and public image.

• Paltrow emailed contacts (including celebrities like Cameron Diaz) telling them not to participate, demonstrating her media savviness and paranoia during her divorce.

• Quote:

  “Gwyneth just emailed her entire address book that nobody should talk to Vanity Fair... she also forgot to BCC people.” – Vanessa Grigoriadis (04:18)

3. Terry Sanderson’s Testimony and Motivations (06:40–11:44)

• Sanderson’s claims: the crash left him with physical and mental trauma.

• The “I’m famous” email to his daughters, sent post-collision, becomes a pivotal point, calling into question his motivations.

• Sanderson admits, somewhat jokingly, that brain damage has changed his personality, and blames Paltrow for his hardships.

• Cross-examination highlights Sanderson's extensive global travel after the accident (Peru, Europe, Morocco, hiking, ziplining), weakening his claims of debilitation.

• Notable Exchange:

  “I was trying on helmets. To protect my head.” – Terry Sanderson (11:15)
  “Next 1:52. This is you going on a hike, taking a picture of a moose, right?” — Gwyneth’s lawyer (10:53)

4. Is There a Villain? Quantum Superposition Analogy (13:21–17:17)

• Ben Shepard introduces the concept of quantum superposition: two seemingly contradictory realities can exist at once, suggesting both Paltrow and Sanderson can be flawed and sympathetic.

• The complexity of GOOP and Paltrow’s self-determination philosophy is explored—her journey into wellness after her father’s cancer diagnosis.

• Quote:

  "Maybe Gwyneth is elitist and out of touch… but maybe Sanderson also is just trying to sue her for fame and money…" – Ben Shepard (13:21)

• Gwyneth’s take:

  "We all have so much agency... autonomy over our bodies... we can really start to change our lives." – Gwyneth Paltrow (16:49)

5. The Collision: Trauma and Misunderstandings (19:03–24:01)

• Gwyneth discusses her emotional connection to skiing through her late father.

• The collision was especially jarring—she initially wondered if it was "an intentional assault of a sexual nature" due to the bodily contact.

• Paltrow’s reaction: upset, confused, and later defensive about her actions after the incident (leaving the scene, not inquiring about Sanderson’s well-being).

• Quote:

  “My brain was trying to make sense of what was happening. I thought, am I... Is this a practical joke? Is someone, like, doing something perverted?” – Gwyneth Paltrow (21:06)

6. The Lawsuits and the $1 Counterclaim (24:18–27:11)

• Sanderson sued Paltrow for $3 million (later reduced to $300,000).

• Paltrow's symbolic counterclaim for $1 echoes Taylor Swift's earlier legal tactic, though Paltrow claims she was unaware of Swift’s lawsuit at the time.

• The trial features memorable theater: Sanderson’s lawyer waving a dollar bill in court and grilling Paltrow about her friendship with Swift.

• Quote:

  "It's an actual dollar that I'm asking for." – Gwyneth Paltrow (25:14)

7. Empathy and Final Statements (27:17–28:44)

• Gwyneth expresses sympathy for Sanderson:

  "I feel very sorry for him... But I did not cause the accident..." (27:24)

• Her injury: a sore knee and back; she sought a massage instead of medical care.

• Quote:

  "It felt violating to have somebody press their body against my back." – Gwyneth Paltrow (28:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [13:21] Ben Shepard: “Upshot being two things can be true at once. Maybe Gwyneth is elitist... but maybe Sanderson also is just trying to sue her for fame and money.”
• [16:49] Gwyneth Paltrow: “We all have so much agency. We don't realize the agency that we have... We all have this power within us to feel better.”
• [21:06] Gwyneth Paltrow: “My brain was trying to make sense of what was happening. I thought, am I... Is this a practical joke? Is someone, like, doing something perverted?”
• [25:14] Gwyneth Paltrow: “It's an actual dollar that I'm asking for.”
• [27:24] Gwyneth Paltrow: “I feel very sorry for him... But I did not cause the accident, so I cannot be at fault for anything that subsequently happened to him.”
• [28:24] Gwyneth Paltrow: “It felt violating to have somebody press their body against my back. I was full of adrenaline. I was really upset, and I. I'm sorry that I cursed.”

The Verdict & Aftermath (29:42–32:31)

• Jury Deliberation:

  • Jury reaches a verdict in two hours.
  • Gwyneth is not at fault; Sanderson is assigned 100% of the blame.
  • Gwyneth is awarded $1. The camera captures her relief; Sanderson looks defeated.

• Memorable Courtroom Moment:

  • As she leaves, Gwyneth approaches Sanderson and says:

    "I wish you well." (32:23)

Final Thoughts

The trial exposes the court of public opinion’s fascination with celebrity, the complexities of image control, grievance, and agency in the era of media spectacle. The hosts leave listeners reflecting on who really wins such high-profile legal battles—raising bigger questions about privilege, justice, and the personal costs of infamy.

Useful Timestamps

• Gwyneth’s testimony on the collision: 00:36–02:19
• Vanessa’s Vanity Fair story: 02:55–06:40
• Sanderson’s motivations and travel evidence: 06:40–11:44
• Quantum superposition/“two truths” analysis: 13:21–17:17
• The collision and emotional impact: 19:03–24:01
• The $1 counterclaim and courtroom drama: 24:18–27:11
• Jury verdict and closure: 29:42–32:31