Medical Update: Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry Remains in Critical Care After Stage Fall

Dr. Gabrielle Henry, representing Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant, suffered an intracranial hemorrhage after falling from the stage during a preliminary competition on Nov. 19, the Miss Universe Organization said in an update.

The organization reported that Henry lost consciousness during the incident and sustained a fracture, facial lacerations and "other significant injuries." Video of the Nov. 19 fall shows the 28-year-old physician in a long orange gown. She was admitted to an intensive care unit in Bangkok and has remained in critical condition under neurological monitoring, requiring 24-hour specialist supervision.

"Certain media reports suggesting that Dr. Henry contributed in any way to the incident are entirely inaccurate," the Miss Universe Organization said, adding that it has not attributed blame to Dr. Henry and that such claims are unfounded.

The Miss Universe Organization said it has "stood beside Gabrielle and her family as if she were their own," assuming immediate responsibility for her care. The group confirmed it has covered all hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, has paid accommodation and living costs for Henry's mother and sister, and is arranging a medically escorted flight to transfer her directly to a hospital in Jamaica for continued treatment and recovery. The organization also said it will cover any future medical expenses related to the incident.

In a statement, the Henry family expressed deep gratitude for the organization's support and for the "overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and encouragement" from supporters worldwide.

Pageant Context and Ongoing Controversies

The Miss Universe competition, held this year in Thailand, has been dogged by controversy. In early November, the director of Miss Universe Thailand, Nawat Itsaragrisil, called a contestant "stupid" during a livestreamed speech, prompting several contestants to walk out. Other reported issues include leadership turnover, allegations of rigged judging, judge resignations and multiple contestant protests.

Legal and regulatory questions have also arisen. Former CEO Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip resigned from her role earlier in the year; she has faced legal scrutiny, and co-owner Rocha Cantu of Mexico has been publicly linked to allegations that reportedly include drug and fuel trafficking. Thai authorities have investigated claims that some event publicity may have illegally promoted online casinos. Several contestants, including Brigitta Schaback of Estonia and Olivia Yace (who placed fourth runner-up for Africa and Oceania), have resigned amid the turmoil.

The Miss Universe crown was awarded to Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, on Nov. 21; the final was broadcast live on Telemundo and streamed on Peacock. Ownership of the Miss Universe Organization has shifted over the years—from Donald Trump (1996–2015) to WME/IMG, and later to JKN Global Group in 2022; in early 2024, JKN sold a 50% stake to Legacy Holding Group USA.

Note on contestant profile date: The contestant profile for Miss Universe Jamaica was previously reported with an inconsistent date; based on the sequence of events it was updated on Nov. 9, ten days before the Nov. 19 incident.