Former Miss Universe Jamaica Dr Gabrielle Henry has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organization and two related companies, nearly a year after suffering serious injuries in a fall during the 2025 Miss Universe competition in Thailand.
The lawsuit was filed on September 21, 2026, in Delaware Superior Court. Henry is accusing the defendants of negligence and other wrongdoing connected to the November 19, 2025 incident.
HERE’S THE BREAKDOWN
Henry Says She Fell Through an Unprotected Opening
According to the lawsuit, Henry was performing rehearsed choreography during the preliminary competition when she fell approximately five feet through what the complaint describes as an unmarked and uncovered opening in the stage.
The lawsuit alleges that the area below contained lighting equipment and concrete.
Henry also claims powerful stage lighting affected her ability to clearly see the edge of the stage as she performed her walk.
She Suffered Serious Injuries
Henry reportedly lost consciousness after the fall and suffered significant head injuries.
The Miss Universe Organization and Henry’s family previously confirmed that her injuries included an intracranial haemorrhage, a fracture and facial lacerations.
She required intensive medical treatment in Thailand before eventually returning to Jamaica for further care and rehabilitation.
Lawsuit Says Her Medical Career Has Been Affected
Henry is also a medical doctor who was pursuing ophthalmology.
According to her lawsuit, the injuries and continuing neurological and cognitive symptoms have prevented her from returning to her medical residency and have affected her future earning capacity and professional opportunities.
The complaint says she continues to require medical treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care.
Were There Previous Safety Concerns?
One of the significant allegations in the lawsuit is that other contestants had reportedly raised concerns about the staging and lighting conditions before Henry’s accident.
The complaint further alleges that after Henry fell, changes were made to the stage, including the addition of bright white lighting around its edge.
These claims are allegations contained in the lawsuit and have not been established by a court.
Who Is Being Sued?
Henry’s lawsuit names the Miss Universe Organization along with JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA.
The complaint includes claims involving negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The lawsuit also discusses the role of Miss Grand International, which served as a local host and event producer for the competition.
Miss Universe Organization Responds
The Miss Universe Organization told PEOPLE.com that, as of its statement, it had not been formally served with or received Henry’s lawsuit and therefore said it could not comment directly on claims it had not reviewed.
The organization also said responsibility for the venue, stage and on-site safety in Thailand rested with the local host and production entities.
It further stated that it stepped in to pay Henry’s hospital expenses after the accident and later covered specialized treatment after she returned to Jamaica.
The organization said it also offered Henry a role as a goodwill ambassador.
What Was Said After the Accident?
In December 2025, the Miss Universe Organization and Henry’s family issued a joint statement confirming that she had fallen through an opening in the stage and suffered serious injuries.
At that time, the organization said it had covered her medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, costs associated with her family’s stay and her medically escorted return to Jamaica.
That same statement rejected suggestions that Henry was responsible for what happened.
Henry Continues Her Recovery
Henry spent much of the months following the accident away from public duties while recovering.
She eventually returned to the public spotlight in Jamaica in August 2026, appearing at the Miss Universe Jamaica coronation to crown her successor.
The lawsuit now shifts attention from Henry’s recovery to questions surrounding responsibility for the accident and whether sufficient safety measures were in place during one of the world’s biggest beauty pageants.
The allegations will ultimately have to be tested through the legal process.
Source: PEOPLE, Miss Universe Organization and Jamaican media reports.
