Former Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry has revealed that she has no memory of the Miss Universe stage fall that left her unconscious with a brain bleed, as she continues to recover nearly a year after the accident in Thailand. In her first sit-down interview about the incident, Henry, 28, told ABC News’ Deborah Roberts that she lost consciousness after falling through an opening in the stage during the 2025 Miss Universe preliminary competition and only remembers waking up to see her mother standing over her before blacking out again.
The ophthalmology resident said the fall left her with a brain bleed as well as facial and back injuries, with the effects extending far beyond her initial hospitalisation. Henry described brain injury as “one of the most traumatizing things” and said the experience left her feeling disconnected from herself as she worked to regain basic physical abilities. Her recovery included physiotherapy and periods when everyday tasks became difficult, while she continues to experience severe pain and disrupted sleep nearly a year later.
Henry has also rejected suggestions that she simply missed a step. “I know for a fact I did not trip,” she said, explaining that she was following the instructions given during rehearsals, including looking towards cameras, stopping at designated points and turning left when instructed. She said she believes the accident could have been avoided and that appropriate safety measures should have been in place around the opening.
The revelations come after Henry filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organization and related parent companies on September 21. The legal action includes claims alleging negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Her attorney, Joseph Ciaccio, has described the case as an effort to establish accountability and improve contestant safety.
Miss Universe has said Henry’s health and wellbeing have always been a priority, but told ABC News that it had not yet received the lawsuit and therefore could not comment on claims it had not seen. The organisation also said it had not received a request or claim for additional medical expenses, while Henry said she received support during the early stages in Thailand but had received less feedback regarding ongoing medical costs after returning to Jamaica. Despite the ordeal, Henry has begun returning to her medical career on a modified schedule and says her focus now is on healing, growth and moving forward.
View this post on Instagram
