Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Miss Universe Jamaica Sues Pageant Over 2025 Stage Fall
Gabrielle Henry represented Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok.
During the runway walk, she fell through an opening in the stage.
She says the opening was not marked or covered.
She also says bright lights made it hard for her to see.
Henry says she suffered physical injuries and lasting emotional distress.
She claims these problems stopped her from returning to her medical residency.
She has sued the pageant organization and related companies.
The organization says it has not received the lawsuit and says local production partners were responsible for the stage and safety.
Gabrielle Henry filed a Delaware lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organization and related companies over her 2025 stage fall.
Henry alleges she fell five feet through an unmarked, uncovered stage opening containing concrete and lighting equipment.
She claims intense stage lighting impaired her visibility and contributed to the fall.
Henry alleges lasting physical, neurological, cognitive, and emotional effects that prevented her from resuming medical residency.
The organization says it has not received the lawsuit and places production and venue responsibility with MGI and Miss Universe Thailand.
- Who
- Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica, sued the Miss Universe Organization, JKN Legacy Inc., and Legacy Holding Group USA.
- What
- Henry alleges negligence, unsafe premises, and emotional distress after falling through a stage opening during the pageant.
- When
- The fall occurred on November 19, 2025; Henry reportedly filed the lawsuit on September 21.
- Where
- The pageant was held in Bangkok, and the lawsuit was filed in Delaware Superior Court.
- Why
- Henry alleges an uncovered stage opening and intense lighting caused or contributed to her fall and subsequent injuries.
Henry's Allegations
Organization's Response
Cause of the fall
Henry's Allegations
Henry alleges she followed the choreographed routine but fell through an unmarked, uncovered opening, with intense lighting also impairing her visibility.
Organization's Response
The organization did not comment on claims it says it has not received; a related account cited in the article claimed she fell because she was not paying attention.
Responsibility for safety
Henry's Allegations
Henry alleges the defendants acted recklessly and consciously disregarded the safety of contestants.
Organization's Response
The Miss Universe Organization says venue, stage, production, and on-site safety were the responsibility of MGI and Miss Universe Thailand under Nawat Itsaragrisil.
Post-incident support
Henry's Allegations
Henry alleges she experienced serious physical and emotional effects and required continuing care and rehabilitation.
Organization's Response
The organization says it paid Henry's hospital expenses and assisted her despite claiming it had no obligation to do so.
- Plaintiff
- Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica
- Defendants
- Miss Universe Organization, JKN Legacy Inc., and Legacy Holding Group USA
- Reported filing date
- September 21
- Incident date
- November 19, 2025
- Alleged fall
- Approximately five feet through an unmarked and uncovered stage opening
- Claims
- Negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, emotional distress, and premises liability
- Organization response
- The organization says it has not been served with or received the lawsuit