Ex-Miss Jamaica sues Miss Universe over stage fall

Former Miss Jamaica, Dr Gabrielle Henry, has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organisation following a stage fall during the 2025 pageant in Thailand, resulting in severe injuries. Henry, an ophthalmology resident, claimed the incident led to a brain bleed and other injuries, causing her to lose consciousness and forget the event itself. She filed the lawsuit on September 21, citing claims of negligence, negligent hiring, retention, supervision, and emotional distress.

Henry recounted the incident in her first interview with ABC News’ Good Morning America, describing how she followed the rehearsals but suddenly fell through an opening in the stage during the competition in Bangkok. She was taken to the hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care and placed under neurological monitoring. Henry's lawyer, Joseph Ciaccio, stated that the lawsuit aims to seek accountability and improve safety for contestants.

The incident was widely shared on social media, and Henry described the emotional impact on her, stating that brain injury is one of the most traumatising experiences. She said that the incident affected her physically, causing severe pain, and emotionally, leading to sleepless nights and fear that the injuries could end her medical career. Henry accused the Miss Universe Organisation of failing to ensure protective measures were in place, despite having the responsibility to prevent such incidents.