Gwyneth Paltrow was “tense” and anxious on the stand on Friday, a body language expert claimed after analyzing the actress’ performance in her trial over a ski-slope fall.
Paltrow, 50, claims she was hit by Terry Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired optometrist.
Sanderson claims Paltrow hit her, causing broken ribs and brain damage, and is seeking $300,000 in damages.
The trial in Park City, Utah, began Tuesday and is expected to last until late next week.
On Monday, the court will hear of Paltrow’s two children with Coldplay ex-husband Chris Martin – Apple and Moses. Her husband Brad Falchuk will also testify. All three were skiing with Paltrow when the accident happened in February 2016.
Here, body language expert Judi analyzes James Paltrow’s behavior.
“Cautious” looks in the courtroom
James told that the Goop founder chose her outfit carefully so as not to be flashy.
Gwyneth Paltrow returned to court in Utah on Friday for the fourth day of her skiing accident trial
Despite snowstorms in Park City, the A-lister arrived in a pair of $248 Rayban mirrored aviator sunglasses, which she paired with a long navy coat, navy dress and black pair of $1,200 Celine boots
“Gwyneth arrived in the courtroom in her most demure and dour outfit yet: a mid-length black dress with heavy black boots,” James noted.
She said she looked a bit nervous as she entered the court.
“As she navigated to her seat, she cast a few wary glances around the room and acknowledged her audience with a quick eye scan and what appeared to be a faint smile,” she said.
Get down to business
James said Paltrow was initially insecure, but as she took her place next to her attorneys, she visibly became more relaxed and confident.
“Her bottom lip seemed to tremble or curl slightly in one place in a gesture that looked like fear – but as soon as she sat down, and having smoothed her now gently wavy hair much faster than usual, she spread out her portfolio in front of her and licks her fingertip to turn the pages in a professional and authoritative manner,” James said.
A look of authority
The body language analyst said Paltrow’s distinctive reading glasses gave her an air of power and command.
“Sometimes that look of almost principal authority extended into the stands as she sat and peered over the rim of very large, thick-rimmed glasses as she listened,” James said.
Proud of her married name
James noted that Paltrow was clearly proud to give the court her full married name.
“When Paltrow was asked to give her name, she flashed an almost cheeky smile and seemed to enjoy the friendlier interaction.”
Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in court on Friday for the fourth day of her skiing accident trial in Utah
James said that she “rocked in her seat, more like a schoolchild than a teacher, as she recited what she claimed to be her ‘legal’ name, with heavy emphasis on the word ‘falchuk.'”
The positive energy lasted for the next few minutes, James said.
“She looked downright delighted when the judge asked if he could call her Miss Paltrow, pressed down with her hands to bounce her body up and down in her seat, and said ‘sure’ with a dismissive but good-natured voice gesture of her right hand. said James.
The tension of the process shows
“However, there were moments when the process seemed to take its toll,” James said.
“When she was in listening mode, her eyes would sometimes look tired and her blinks would look rapid, suggesting tension.
“She pursed her lips to reinforce that atmosphere of internal tension, although it looked more like a crucial ritual as she sucked them in with a pursing gesture after making her statement.”
“Looks Like a Victim”
James said that towards the end of her testimony, Paltrow recounted the moment of the collision and seemed to show in her body language that she felt like a victim.
Paltrow said she initially believed the collision might be a sexual assault, as she suddenly noticed a man behind her with his legs between hers.
Sanderson claims he sustained four broken ribs and a permanent brain injury. Paltrow denies bumping into the pensioner and countered, saying he was the one who drove into her – leaving her angry and sore
Paltrow, who was among the first to accuse Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment, said she quickly realized it wasn’t a sexual assault but someone who had hit her.
“As the collision occurred, Paltrow described what she believed to be ‘something perverted,’ and began to look like the victim, raising her brows and raising both hands with palms facing in and fingers spread,” James said.
“She mimicked moments of collision or role-played as she spoke.
“She mimicked her own initial confusion, wide-eyed and shaking her head from side to side.”