Former Miss Universe Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organization and two of its parent companies over injuries she sustained after falling from the stage during the 2025 Miss Universe competition in Thailand.
The lawsuit, filed Sept. 21 in Delaware Superior Court, names the Miss Universe Organization, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA as defendants. It includes claims of negligence, premises liability and emotional distress.
Henry fell about five feet during the preliminary competition on Nov. 19, 2025. Her complaint alleges she fell through an “unmarked and uncovered opening” in the stage while following rehearsed choreography and that bright lighting impaired her visibility.
She alleges she lost consciousness and suffered a traumatic brain injury, including brain haemorrhages, requiring hospitalisation until Dec. 10.
Henry, an ophthalmologist, claims the injuries prevented her from returning to her medical residency and that she continues to experience neurological and cognitive symptoms.
The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, lost earning capacity and professional opportunities.
Henry also alleges contestants had raised concerns about the staging and lighting before her fall and that changes were made to the stage afterward.
The Miss Universe Organization has disputed responsibility, saying it had not been served with the lawsuit and that Miss Grand International (MGI) and Miss Universe Thailand were responsible for the venue, stage and on-site safety.
The organisation said it covered Henry’s hospital expenses and subsequent treatment in Jamaica, along with accommodation, transportation and other costs.
MGI has also disputed claims that stage conditions caused the accident, previously saying Henry missed her blocking and may not have been looking at the runway.
Henry returned to Jamaica on Dec. 20, 2025.
The lawsuit will now put the competing accounts of the accident and responsibility for Henry’s injuries before the court.
