EX-MISS JAMAICA SUES MISS UNIVERSE OVER STAGE FALL

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

Former Miss Jamaica, Dr Gabrielle Henry, has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organisation over a stage accident that left her with a brain bleed and other injuries during the 2025 pageant in Thailand.

Henry, an ophthalmology resident, filed the suit on September 21 against the Miss Universe Organisation and its parent companies, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA.

The lawsuit contains five claims, including negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Henry disclosed the legal action during her first major interview about the incident, which was aired on Thursday.

She recalled following the movements she had rehearsed during the national costume presentation in Bangkok before suddenly falling through an opening in the stage.

According to Henry, she lost consciousness after the fall and has no memory of the incident itself. She said her first recollection was waking up to find her mother looking down at her.

The former beauty queen suffered a brain bleed, facial injuries and back injuries. She was taken to hospital, where she spent time in intensive care and underwent neurological monitoring.

Henry said the injuries have continued to affect her physically and emotionally, with severe pain sometimes disrupting her sleep. She also expressed concern that the injuries could have affected her medical career.

“I know for a fact I did not trip,” Henry said, adding that she believed the accident could have been prevented if proper safety measures had been put in place.

She alleged that those responsible for the stage and lighting arrangements should have ensured that adequate protective measures were available to prevent contestants from falling through the opening.

Her lawyer, Joseph Ciaccio, said the lawsuit was aimed at seeking accountability and improving safety standards for contestants participating in pageant events.

Henry said the Miss Universe Organisation initially supported her during her treatment in Thailand but that communication regarding her continuing medical expenses became limited after she returned to Jamaica.

She said she was still incurring medical expenses as she continued her recovery.

The Miss Universe Organisation said it had not received the lawsuit and therefore could not comment on the claims. It added that Henry’s health and well-being had always been a priority and said it had not received any request or claim for additional medical expenses.

Despite the ordeal, Henry said she remained grateful for the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the international pageant.