Former Miss Jamaica, Dr Gabrielle Henry, has sued the Miss Universe Organisation and its parent companies over a stage fall during the 2025 pageant in Thailand that left her with a brain bleed and other injuries.
Henry, an ophthalmology resident, filed the lawsuit on September 21, bringing five claims against the Miss Universe Organisation, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA, according to ABC News.
The claims include negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Henry revealed the lawsuit during her first sit-down interview about the incident, which aired on ABC News’ Good Morning America on Thursday.
She recalled following the movements she had rehearsed during the competition in Bangkok before suddenly falling through an opening in the stage.
“I looked at the cameras as we were instructed to do. I was following what we had rehearsed. I stopped when I was told to stop, I looked at the cameras and then when I was instructed to go, I turned to the left, which I was told to do.
“And in that moment is when those dreams shattered,” she said.
The incident was captured on video and subsequently circulated widely on social media.
Henry said she lost consciousness during the fall and could not remember the incident itself. She said the opening led to a concrete base.
“The first memory I have is that of waking up to my mother who was looking down on me,” she said.
“It was the first time I have ever seen my mother look so concerned. As soon as I saw my mom, I blacked out again.”
Henry suffered a brain bleed, as well as facial and back injuries. She was taken to hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care and placed under neurological monitoring.
“Brain injury is one of the most traumatising things. I would not wish it on my worst enemy,” she said.
The former beauty queen said the injuries had affected her physically and emotionally, with severe pain sometimes preventing her from sleeping. She also said she feared the injuries could jeopardise her medical career.
“I know for a fact I did not trip,” Henry said, adding that she believed the incident could have been prevented.
“I do think it could have been avoided. I think that proper measures could have and should have been put in place,” she added.
Henry alleged that those responsible for organising the stage and lighting should have ensured adequate protective measures were in place to prevent contestants from falling through the opening.
Her lawyer, Joseph Ciaccio, said the lawsuit was intended to seek accountability and encourage improved safety measures for contestants.
“I don’t think anybody assumes the responsibility that they could be basically almost killed walking on stage at a Miss Universe organisation pageant,” Ciaccio told ABC News.
Henry said the Miss Universe Organisation initially supported her while she was receiving treatment in Thailand, but communication about her ongoing medical expenses reduced after she returned to Jamaica.
“In the initial stages, Miss Universe was quite present and did provide support while in Thailand.
“However, following my return in Jamaica, I have not had much feedback from them as it pertains to covering my medical expenses, which are still ongoing,” she said.
The Miss Universe Organisation said it had not yet received the lawsuit and was therefore unable to comment on the claims.
In a statement to ABC News, the organisation said Henry’s health and well-being had “always been a priority” and maintained that it had not received any request or claim for additional medical expenses.
Henry said she remained focused on her recovery and on reflecting on her experience of representing Jamaica at the pageant.
“I was so happy to have this honour of representing my small little island. It truly gave me so much joy,” she said.
