Paltrow said she did not cause the accident and that it was Sanderson who struck her from behind.
The eight-person jury sided with Paltrow, ruling that Sanderson was 100 per cent at fault, and awarded Paltrow the US$1 in symbolic damages that she had asked for in a countersuit.
“I felt that acquiescing to a false claim compromised my integrity,” Paltrow said in a statement released by her representatives. She also thanked the judge and jury for their work.
As Paltrow left court she touched Sanderson’s shoulder and told him, “I wish you well,” Sanderson told reporters outside court. He responded, “Thank you dear.”
Paltrow’s attorney, Steve Owens, added in a statement he read outside court that “Gwyneth has a history of advocating for what she believes in – this situation was no different and she will continue to stand up for what is right.”
The Shakespeare In Love actor, also known for her Goop lifestyle brand, smiled as the verdict was read.
During her testimony, Paltrow had told jurors that she was skiing with her two children when “two skis came between my skis, forcing my legs apart, and then there was a body pressing against me and there was a very strange grunting noise.”
Both fell to the ground with Paltrow on top of Sanderson, in a heap of skis and limbs, she said.