Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow is countersuing a man who accused her of causing a skiing accident in 2016, saying he was trying to exploit her fame and fortune. 

Retired optometrist Terry Sanderson, 72, announced last month he would be suing the star for $3.1m (£2.4m) over the “hit and run” collision three years ago in Utah.

He claimed Paltrow was skiing out of control and he had heard a “hysterical scream” before being struck from behind by the actress.

The incident left him with four broken ribs and a concussion, and he said Paltrow had skied off after without saying a word.

The Hollywood star is now seeking a symbolic $1 in damages, saying it was Mr Sanderson who had caused the crash at Deer Valley Resort.

She alleged in her counter-suit that she had been skiing with her children and friends when he hit her from behind, delivering a “body blow”.

According to her account, the 72-year-old had apologised and said he was fine, but she was left shaken and stopped skiing for the day.

Attorneys for the actress said Mr Sanderson’s claims were “an attempt to exploit her celebrity and wealth”.

However, a friend of Mr Sanderson said he had seen Paltrow hit the retired eye doctor from behind.

Mr Sanderson told reporters he had waited three years to file the lawsuit as he had problems with attorneys and his concussion had impacted his mental function.

His attorney, Robert Sykes, said it was “unfortunate” the actress had “failed to tell the truth”.

Paltrow’s court filing said the retiree had made a “meritless claim” and “she did not knock him down”.

The actress won an Academy Award for her role in Shakespeare in Love and is also known for her healthy-living website and store, Goop.

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