Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry has taken legal action against the Miss Universe Organization following a severe accident during the pageant in Thailand.
The Miss Universe Organization stated on Monday that it was aware of press reports regarding the lawsuit, although it noted that it had not yet been formally served and remained open to dialogue.
Henry revealed in an interview on the television program Good Morning America last week that she had filed a lawsuit against Miss Universe because of the fall, stating she had followed all instructions given to her on set. The Jamaican contestant fell approximately 1.5 meters down an unmarked opening on the stage where lighting equipment was located.
The fall left Henry with an intracranial hemorrhage as well as injuries to her face and back, requiring a prolonged recovery period. An intracranial hemorrhage is a serious medical condition involving bleeding within the skull, which can place pressure on brain tissue and typically requires immediate medical monitoring and ongoing rehabilitation.
Maria Jose Unda, the vice president of international affairs for the Miss Universe Organization, explained that operational responsibility for producing the 74th edition in Thailand fell on local hosts and producers. These included Miss Grand International and Miss Universe Thailand, under the direction of Nawat Itsaragrisil, who were responsible for the venue, stage, and site safety.
Medical Support and Financial Coverage
Despite local operational responsibilities, Unda stated that the Miss Universe Organization stepped in immediately after the incident to ensure Henry received specialized medical attention and treatment. The organization stated that it paid for her hospital care, medical treatment, and rehabilitation expenses while she was in Thailand.
The organization also covered accommodation and living expenses for Henry's family while she remained hospitalized in Thailand. In addition, Miss Universe officials coordinated and funded her return travel to Jamaica accompanied by a medical escort.
The assistance provided to Henry was documented in a joint statement issued on December 8, 2025, by the Miss Universe Organization and Henry's family detailing the medical, financial, and logistical support provided after the fall. Jamaica, an island nation in the Caribbean known for its vibrant cultural heritage, welcomed Henry back to continue her recovery at home.
Unda said that from the moment the accident occurred, the health, recovery, and well-being of Gabrielle were the main priority of the organization. She added that although operational responsibility for the event rested with local hosts and production entities, the Miss Universe Organization took control to accompany her and her family and ensure she received necessary care.
Internal Strains and Upcoming Competition
The legal action coincides with internal tension within the beauty organization, whose ownership is split equally between business figures from Mexico and Thailand. Miss Universe is an annual international beauty competition established in 1952, making it one of the longest-running televised beauty pageants in the world.
Amid the organizational changes, Miss Universe recently announced that representatives from six Southeast Asian countries will not be allowed to compete in the upcoming 75th edition of the pageant. That next competition is scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico on November 24.
Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and unincorporated territory of the United States with a long history of hosting international events. The island venue will host the 75th milestone edition as the pageant system navigates both internal operational changes and the legal dispute arising from the accident in Thailand.
