Miss Jamaica Sues Miss Universe Over Bangkok Stage Accident
Miss Jamaica Sues Miss Universe Over Bangkok Stage Accident
BANGKOK, Sept. 30, 2026 — Former Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry has sued the Miss Universe Organization and two related companies, nearly a year after she fell through an opening in a stage during the 2025 Miss Universe preliminary competition in Bangkok, alleging the accident left her with serious, lasting brain injuries.
Henry, 28, filed the lawsuit on Sept. 21 in Delaware Superior Court against Miss Universe, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA. The complaint includes allegations of negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The accident happened on Nov. 19, 2025, during the preliminary evening-gown competition. Henry was walking the stage in a sparkling orange gown when she fell approximately five feet through what her lawsuit describes as an unmarked and uncovered opening.
According to the complaint, the opening contained lighting equipment and a concrete structure and was not barricaded, illuminated or marked with warning signs. Henry says she was following rehearsed choreography and instructions from the stage director when she fell.
“I know for a fact I did not trip,” Henry told ABC’s Good Morning America, saying she believed the accident could have been prevented if proper safety measures had been put in place.
Henry was carried from the venue on a stretcher and taken to hospital in Bangkok. The Miss Universe Organization confirmed at the time that she had suffered an intracranial hemorrhage, fracture, facial lacerations and other serious injuries. She remained hospitalized from Nov. 19 to Dec. 10, 2025.
The lawsuit alleges that Henry suffered a traumatic brain injury involving an acute subarachnoid hemorrhage, frontal-lobe hemorrhagic contusion and subdural hemorrhage.
Henry says the consequences have continued long after the accident. She alleges that she has experienced ongoing neurological and cognitive symptoms, requires continuing medical treatment and rehabilitation, and has been unable to resume her medical residency.
She has also described continuing pain and emotional trauma from the incident, saying the experience left her feeling disconnected from herself before she was able to recognize that she had survived.
The complaint further alleges that other contestants had raised concerns about lighting and staging conditions before the accident. Henry’s representatives say bright white lighting was installed along the edges of the stage after her fall, which they argue should have been in place beforehand.
The Miss Universe Organization issued a statement in December 2025 saying it had assumed “full and immediate responsibility” for Henry’s care and covered her hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, as well as accommodation and living costs for her mother and sister. It also funded her medically escorted return to Jamaica and said it would cover future medical expenses arising from the incident.
However, Henry says the organization’s support became less responsive after she returned to Jamaica, particularly regarding her continuing medical expenses.
In response to the lawsuit, the Miss Universe Organization said it had not reviewed the filing and was not in a position to comment on the allegations. The organization has maintained that Henry’s health and wellbeing have always been a priority.
The lawsuit now puts the safety arrangements surrounding the Bangkok pageant under renewed scrutiny, while the allegations will be subject to the legal process in Delaware.
