Photo credit: Abc News
Former Miss Universe Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry is opening up about the terrifying stage fall that left her seriously injured during the 2025 Miss Universe competition.
Nearly a year after the incident, Henry has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organization over the accident. She says the fall changed her life and could have been prevented with proper safety measures.
Former Miss Universe Jamaica recalls the fall
Henry represented Jamaica at the 2025 Miss Universe competition in Bangkok, Thailand.
During the preliminary evening gown competition on November 19, 2025, she fell through an opening in the stage. Henry told ABC News that she was following the choreography she had practiced when the accident happened.
She said she stopped when instructed, looked toward the cameras and then turned left as directed. Moments later, she fell through the opening.
Henry lost consciousness during the incident. She said her first memory afterward was waking up and seeing her mother looking down at her.
The accident resulted in serious injuries, including a brain bleed, facial injuries and back injuries. Henry remained hospitalized from November 19 through December 10, 2025.
Why Gabrielle Henry is suing
Henry filed her lawsuit on September 21, 2026, in Delaware Superior Court.
The lawsuit names the Miss Universe Organization, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA. It includes claims involving negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to the lawsuit, Henry fell approximately five feet through an unmarked and uncovered opening in the stage.
She also alleges that lighting directed toward her made it difficult to see the stage clearly. The complaint further alleges that the opening contained lighting equipment and concrete.
Henry maintains that the accident could have been prevented if appropriate safety measures had been in place.
The fall affected her medical career
The former Miss Universe Jamaica’s injuries also raised concerns about her future as a medical professional.
Henry is an ophthalmology resident. According to reporting on the lawsuit, she alleges that she continues to experience neurological and cognitive symptoms and has required medical treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care.
During her interview with ABC News, Henry also discussed the emotional impact of the accident.
For someone who had traveled to represent Jamaica on one of the world’s biggest pageant stages, the experience became a painful turning point.
Miss Universe Organization responds
The Miss Universe Organization has disputed aspects of Henry’s account.
In a statement to ABC News, the organization said Henry’s health and well-being have always been a priority. The organization also said it had not received the lawsuit and therefore could not comment on claims it had not reviewed.
The organization previously said it covered Henry’s medical expenses following the accident.
A December 2025 joint statement from the organization and Henry’s family said the organization covered hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand. It also committed to future medical expenses related to the incident.
The organization has also said that the host and production entities were responsible for producing the 2025 competition, including the venue, stage and on-site safety.
Gabrielle Henry continues her recovery
Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Henry said she is focused on healing and moving forward.
Her experience has placed a new focus on stage safety at major pageant events and the lasting effects an accident can have on contestants.
For Henry, the 2025 Miss Universe competition was an opportunity to represent Jamaica on an international stage. Instead, the event became an experience that she says changed her life.
Now, nearly a year after the fall, the former Miss Universe Jamaica is seeking answers through the legal system while continuing her recovery.
Source: ABC News and Jamaica Observer
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