Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry has filed a lawsuit against Miss Universe and its parent companies after falling through an uncovered opening in a stage during the pageant's preliminary round in Bangkok last November.
Henry, 28, alleges she suffered a life-altering traumatic brain injury in the fall, which happened as she walked the runway in a sparkling orange gown. She was taken to Paolo Rangsit hospital in the Thai capital after being carried from the venue on a stretcher.
Claims over unmarked stage opening
The lawsuit, filed on September 21, names Miss Universe, JKN Legacy Inc and Legacy Holding Group USA. It alleges negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to the complaint, Henry was following rehearsed choreography and directions from a stage director when she fell through an opening which was about five feet deep. The filing says the gap contained lighting equipment and a concrete base, and was not barricaded, illuminated or marked with a sign.
Henry, an ophthalmology resident, said intense stage lighting had blinded her as she followed the directed route.
"I know for a fact I did not trip," she told Good Morning America. "I do think it could have been avoided. I think that proper measures could have and should have been put in place."
She said responsibility lay with those who organised the stage and installed the lighting, arguing that the opening should have been covered or barricaded.
The complaint says Henry sustained a traumatic brain injury with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage, frontal lobe haemorrhagic contusion and subdural haemorrhage. It further alleges that, following the fall, the stage was fitted with bright white lighting along its edges - a precaution her representative said should have existed before she competed.
Ongoing treatment and residency impact
Ten months after the incident, Henry said she still struggled to sleep because of severe pain. She described the experience as traumatising, saying it had left her with a feeling of disassociation before she was able to tell herself: "This is my body, this is who I am. I'm still here."
The lawsuit states that she has been unable to resume her medical residency, continues to experience neurological and cognitive symptoms, and needs ongoing medical care, rehabilitation and specialist follow-up.
Pictures courtesy of Daily Mall
Miss Universe said in December that it was assuming "full and immediate responsibility without hesitation". It said it had covered Henry's hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, accommodation and living costs for her mother and sister, and a medically escorted repatriation flight, while committing to future medical expenses arising from the incident.
Henry confirmed the organisation supported her while she was in Thailand, but said it had been less responsive since she returned home to Jamaica and had not given much feedback about her continuing medical expenses.
In a statement to ABC, Miss Universe said Henry's health and wellbeing had always been a priority. It said it had not yet reviewed the lawsuit, had not received a request or claim for additional medical expenses, and was therefore not in a position to comment on the allegations.
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30 September 2026
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