A former Cirque du Soleil acrobat is seeking $16.75 million in a lawsuit alleging devastating injuries sustained during a 15-foot fall. Mariia Konfektova, a Russian aerialist and world record holder for seated aerial hoop rotations, filed the personal injury lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon.
Konfektova's fall occurred in 2024 during Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA show. The lawsuit details that she suffered 11 broken bones, including fractures to her lower back, wrist, and skull, as well as at least seven facial bones, a concussion, and double vision. She claims multiple surgeries were required and that she has been left with permanent injuries.
The civil complaint alleges that Cirque du Soleil failed to provide adequate safety equipment, such as mats or nets, to mitigate the impact of a fall. It further states that the circus ignored safety concerns Konfektova raised regarding the rigging of the hoop from which she fell. According to the lawsuit, she was subsequently fired after returning to work and continuing to voice these safety concerns.
Portland Tribune editor Dana Haynes, who had met performers before the shows, told KOIN that Konfektova was not provided with a net because her act started and ended on the ground. Haynes also noted that changing conditions at different performance locations could affect equipment setup and impact performers' routines, citing an instance where a slight deviation in hoop mechanism alignment affected Konfektova's spin.
The lawsuit states Konfektova was transitioning between movements when her right foot slipped, causing her to fall to the stage. While her hands were touching the hoop for stability, she was not holding on at the time of the slip.
Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Division (OSHA) reportedly fined Cirque du Soleil $8,070 for failing to provide safety equipment. During the OSHA investigation, the circus indicated that safety equipment is typically required for performances starting at approximately 20 feet. Konfektova's performance was reportedly about five feet below this threshold.
The lawsuit names five defendants, including Cirque du Soleil and its associated entities. The complaint also highlights a history of performer injuries, citing 16 incidents of falls during shows and practice sessions over the past two decades, including three fatalities in Montreal, Las Vegas, and Tampa.