Schadenfreude has climbed to an alpine peak thanks to the two-way lawsuit between Gwyneth Paltrow and a retired American doctor over their skiing collision.

Since few of those in this country relishing the reports from Utah seem ashamed of their glee, schadenfreude might be the wrong word. “Silly mega rich Gwynnie; ridiculous American courts; stupid exclusive sport for the 1% any way”, just about sums up the views of English commentators, glad of a free hit to pad out their columns.