Former Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organisation over a stage fall that left her with a brain bleed and other injuries during the 2025 pageant in Thailand. The lawsuit, filed on September 21, brings five claims against the Miss Universe Organisation and its parent companies, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA. Henry, an ophthalmology resident, is seeking accountability and improved safety for contestants.
According to Henry, the incident occurred when she followed rehearsed movements and suddenly fell through an opening in the stage during the competition in Bangkok. She recalled looking at the cameras as instructed, then turning to the left, which is when she fell. The incident was captured on video and circulated widely on social media. Henry lost consciousness during the fall and could not remember the incident itself.
Henry suffered a brain bleed, as well as facial and back injuries, and was taken to hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care and placed under neurological monitoring. She described the impact of the injuries, saying, "Brain injury is one of the most traumatising things. I would not wish it on my worst enemy." The incident has affected her physically and emotionally, with severe pain sometimes preventing her from sleeping.
Henry's lawyer, Joseph Ciaccio, stated that the lawsuit aims to seek accountability and improve safety for contestants. He said, "I don't think anybody assumes the responsibility that they could be basically almost killed walking on stage at a Miss Universe organisation pageant." Henry alleged that those responsible for organising the stage and lighting should have ensured that protective measures were in place to prevent contestants from falling through the opening.
The Miss Universe Organisation said it had not yet received the lawsuit and was therefore unable to comment on the claims. In a statement, the organisation said Henry's health and well-being had "always been a priority" and added that it had not received any request or claim for additional medical expenses. Henry said the organisation initially supported her while she was in Thailand but that communication about her continuing medical expenses had reduced after she returned to Jamaica.
Henry said she was focused on continuing her recovery and reflecting on her experience of representing Jamaica at the pageant. "I was so happy to have this honour of representing my small little island. It truly gave me so much joy," she said. The incident has also made her fear that the injuries could end her medical career. Henry said she believes the incident could have been prevented with proper measures in place.
The lawsuit includes claims of negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Henry's case highlights the importance of ensuring contestant safety at pageants. The Miss Universe Organisation will likely face scrutiny over its safety protocols.
Key points
- Dr. Gabrielle Henry files lawsuit against Miss Universe Organisation over stage fall during 2025 pageant.
- Henry suffered brain bleed, facial and back injuries, and is seeking accountability and improved safety for contestants.
- The Miss Universe Organisation claims Henry's health and well-being have "always been a priority" but has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
