Miss Jamaica Sues Miss Universe Organization After Devastating Stage Fall
Gabrielle Henry claims a severe brain injury sustained during the 2025 pageant has permanently altered her life and derailed her medical career.
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry is suing the Miss Universe organization, alleging negligence after a fall from the stage during the 2025 preliminary competition in Thailand resulted in a severe brain injury.
Henry, a practicing doctor, filed the lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court nearly a year after she fell through an unmarked and uncovered opening in the stage. The lawsuit states the opening, which contained concrete and lighting equipment, was about five feet deep and was not properly secured or marked.
According to the suit, the fall rendered Henry unconscious and caused a traumatic brain injury, including multiple brain bleeds. Henry described the experience in an essay, stating, "Recovery from a traumatic brain injury is difficult to describe. It feels as though you’ve had an out-of-body experience and returned to one that is not your own."
She spent several months hospitalized in Thailand and Jamaica from November 2025 through March 2026. As an ophthalmologist, Henry noted the hospital stay was a particularly painful reminder of what she had lost, significantly impacting her ability to continue her residency and career.
"I’ve transformed from student to doctor to patient, and I am trying to move forward again by continuing my career on a modified schedule and with my providers on speed dial," Henry stated.
The lawsuit accuses Miss Universe and Thai pageant producer Miss Grand International of negligence, premises liability, and infliction of emotional distress. Henry alleges that despite concerns raised by contestants, the stage opening lacked safety markers, illumination, or barricades.
Initially, Miss Universe officials characterized Henry's injuries as "a couple of minor wounds." However, weeks later, the organization acknowledged the "serious fall" caused "significant injuries" and stated it took "full and immediate responsibility without hesitation," including covering her medical bills.
Henry made her first public appearance since the incident in May, attending a charity event in Atlanta. In August, she returned to the stage to crown her successor, Miss Jamaica 2026 Nevaeh Allen. She stated, "As pageant queens, we are tasked with lifting others up. Throughout my journey, I learned to let others do the lifting."