Miss Jamaica Sues Miss Universe Over 'Life-Altering Brain Injury' From Stage Fall

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe pageant organization, alleging she suffered a "life-altering traumatic brain injury" during a fall off the stage in November 2025 that could have been prevented. Henry, an ophthalmology resident, detailed the incident and her lawsuit in an interview on "Good Morning America" on Thursday.

According to the lawsuit filed on September 21, Henry claims she fell through an "unmarked and uncovered opening" in the stage after being directed by the stage director and blinded by intense lighting. The opening, which contained lighting equipment and a concrete base about five feet deep, was not barricaded, illuminated, or marked, the complaint states.

As a result of the fall, Henry suffered a traumatic brain injury, including an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, frontal lobe hemorrhagic contusion, and subdural hemorrhage. The lawsuit names Miss Universe and its parent companies, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA, citing negligence and infliction of emotional distress.

Henry told "Good Morning America" that she was following rehearsed choreography and was instructed when and where to move. She asserted that she did not trip and that the incident was avoidable if proper safety measures, such as barricading or covering the opening, had been in place. She described the fall as "traumatizing" and spoke of a feeling of disassociation in its aftermath.

Footage of the incident showed Henry falling from the stage during the preliminary round in Bangkok, Thailand. Audience members reacted with screams, and some attempted to help before she was carried away on a stretcher.

The complaint notes that after the fall, the stage was modified with bright white lighting along its edges, a precaution Henry's representative stated should have been present beforehand.

In December following the incident, Miss Universe issued a statement saying it was taking "full and immediate responsibility" and covering all hospital, medical, rehabilitation, and living expenses for Henry and her family in Thailand. The organization also committed to funding her medically escorted repatriation flight and future medical expenses. However, Henry stated on "Good Morning America" that while support was provided in Thailand, she has had "not much feedback" from the organization regarding ongoing medical expenses since returning to Jamaica.

Henry indicated she is still suffering from the effects of the injury, including sleep difficulties due to pain, and has been unable to resume her medical residency. The lawsuit alleges that the defendant's negligence has left her with severe injuries affecting her ability to work.

In response to the lawsuit, Miss Universe stated that the "health and well-being of Ms Gabrielle Henry has always been a priority." The organization added that it had not yet reviewed the lawsuit and was not in a position to comment on claims it had not seen, nor had it received any request for additional medical expenses.

Henry concluded that "accountability matters" and that pageant platforms must be safe to prevent similar incidents from occurring to other contestants. She stated that the injuries took away her career, her opportunity to represent her country, and moments with loved ones.