Gwyneth Paltrow says accused stalker sent her pornography and upsetting letters
In this Nov. 7, 2015 file photo, Gwyneth Paltrow attends LACMA 2015 Art+Film Gala at LACMA in Los Angeles. Opening statements have begun in the trial of a man accused of stalking Gwyneth Paltrow.
Gwyneth Paltrow testified Monday in the trial of a man accused of stalking her, saying he sent her upsetting letters discussing his intention to marry her, her death, pornography and unsolicited gifts.
Dante Soiu is accused of stalking the Oscar-winning actress for 17 years, but the case focuses on the most recent batch of 66 messages he is accused of sending her between 2009 and 2015.
Paltrow was the first witness called and authenticated 48 of the letters, many of which contain religious messages and statements referencing Paltrow’s death.
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She testified about letters and packages she said she received from Soiu dating to 1999, including several that contained pornography, sex toys and statements that he wanted to cleanse her of sin.
“This is a case that has gone on for Ms. Paltrow for 17 years,†Deputy Dist. Atty. Wendy Segall said during opening statements. “Her sense of security has been shattered by this man.â€
His lawyer said Soiu has simply written letters to Paltrow, and that recent letters haven’t included pornography. Attorney Lynda Westlund said Soiu is a Christian man who is just trying to minister to the actress.
Paltrow, 43, remained mostly composed in the witness stand, showing concern on her face and wiping her eyes at one point during approximately an hour of testimony. Dressed in a white turtleneck and black slacks, she at one point identified Soiu, 66, who was wearing a blue shirt and gray sweater.
Soiu was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2000 in a previous trial involving messages he sent to Paltrow, which included pornography and sex toys. He was sent to a mental institution for several years, but was re-arrested last year after allegedly sending the actress new correspondence.
The recent batch of letters described Soiu’s intention to marry Paltrow and also a pair of earrings he sent her in 2009 as a Christmas gift. He has also sent her religious books, and forwarded her letters he has sent to President Obama and actress Angelina Jolie.
One letter described Paltrow “bowing to death.†The actress said the reference was disturbing.
In another, Soiu is accused of writing, “I have a goal: to marry Gwyneth Paltrow and take care of her.â€
“I felt very upset by it,†Paltrow said.
“This has been a very long and very traumatic experience already,†Paltrow said.
At the top of another letter, Soiu is accused of writing, “I am sorry I hurt you. Please forgive me.†Paltrow said she recognizes Soiu’s handwriting after having received so much correspondence from him.
Paltrow won an Oscar in 1999 for her role in “Shakespeare in Love.†She has two children with estranged husband Chris Martin, the frontman of the band Coldplay.
The pair’s divorce, filed in April 2015, is still pending.
Soiu, who is from suburban Columbus, Ohio, has pleaded not guilty. He shook his head during portions of Segall’s opening statement, but remained quiet throughout Paltrow’s testimony Monday.
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