Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, filed suit on Sept. 21 in Delaware Superior Court against the Miss Universe Organization and affiliated companies after a Nov. 19, 2025 stage fall in Bangkok left her with severe traumatic brain injuries. The complaint asserts five claims, including negligence and premises liability, and alleges she fell into an unmarked stage opening and that intense lighting impaired her vision. Henry remains in recovery, says the injuries interrupted her medical residency, and seeks damages for medical costs and lost earning capacity as the case moves forward.
Dr. Gabrielle Henry Sues Miss Universe After Stage Fall, Alleging Severe Brain Injuries and Negligence
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry files lawsuit against Miss Universe following severe brain injuries sustained in pageant accident (Gabrielle Henry)
Nearly a year after a dramatic fall during the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand, Dr. Gabrielle Henry — Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 — has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and unsafe stage conditions that left her with serious brain injuries.
Lawsuit And Allegations
On Sept. 21, Henry filed suit in Delaware Superior Court against the Miss Universe Organization, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA. The complaint brings five causes of action: negligence; premises liability; negligent hiring, retention and supervision; and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
What Happened
The filing says Henry was following rehearsed choreography during the Miss Universe preliminary competition on Nov. 19, 2025, when she fell approximately five feet into an "unmarked and uncovered opening in the stage" that the complaint describes as containing lighting equipment and exposed concrete. The suit also alleges that intense stage lighting impaired her ability to see the runway clearly.
Injuries, Treatment And Career Impact
According to the complaint, Henry lost consciousness and suffered a traumatic brain injury that included an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, a frontal lobe hemorrhagic contusion and a subdural hemorrhage. She was hospitalized from Nov. 19 to Dec. 10, 2025, required intensive neurological monitoring and has undergone months of rehabilitation. A trained doctor and ophthalmologist, Henry says the injuries interrupted her medical residency and continue to cause neurological and cognitive symptoms; the suit seeks damages for medical expenses, ongoing care and lost earning capacity.
Alleged Warnings And Post-Accident Changes
The complaint alleges that other contestants had raised concerns about lighting and stage conditions before Henry's fall. It notes that organizers later adjusted the stage setup — including adding bright white lighting to mark the stage edge — which Henry cites as evidence the original configuration was unsafe.
Responses From Organizers
Miss Grand International (MGI), retained as local host and producer, previously told PEOPLE the fall occurred "primarily because she missed her blocking," calling the incident isolated. The Miss Universe Organization told PEOPLE it had not been formally served at the time of its statement and said that production responsibility — including venue, stage and on-site safety — rested with MGI and Miss Universe Thailand. Miss Universe also said it covered Henry's initial hospital bills, later paid for specialized treatment in Jamaica and offered her a role as a goodwill ambassador.
Public Reaction And Next Steps
In December 2025 a joint statement from Henry's family and the Miss Universe Organization confirmed the severity of her injuries and rejected reports blaming her for the accident. Henry has described the fall as the "most traumatic moment" of her life and has written that the injury "permanently altered the course of my life." The lawsuit will shift scrutiny to who controlled staging and safety decisions and whether organizers acted negligently; those allegations remain to be proven in court.
As Henry continues rehabilitation and legal proceedings, the case raises broader questions about event safety, production oversight and accountability in high-profile live events.
The 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder resting in a hospital bed (@ Gabrielle Henry)
Nawat Itsaragrisil jumped from his seat and ran to help the 28-year-old model. (@ Miss Universe)
Gabrielle Henry, 28, is a doctor and advocate who blends science with service through her work in ophthalmology and her foundation supporting the visually impaired (@ Miss Universe)
At the moment of the accident, Miss Jamaica was wearing a long orange gown with sparkling embellishments and a high slit. (@ Miss Universe)
Paramedics entered the venue and, under dimmed lights, while the show had to go on with the remaining contestants, Gabrielle was taken away on a stretcher to receive specialized medical care. (@ Miss Universe)
Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil (R) and Mexican businessman and president of the Miss Universe Organization Raul Rocha (L) at the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation. (@ AFP via Getty Images)
Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Alexis Henry, showcases her evening gown during the 74th Miss Universe Preliminary competition on November 19, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. (@ Getty Images)
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry files lawsuit against Miss Universe following severe brain injuries sustained in pageant accident (@ Gabrielle Henry)
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