Nearly a year after Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry suffered a serious fall during the Miss Universe competition in Thailand, the incident is back in the spotlight following reports that Henry has filed a lawsuit against the Miss Universe Organization and two related companies.
Now, María José Unda, vice president of International Affairs for the Miss Universe Organization, is addressing the controversy and explaining the organization’s position on the accident, the reported legal action, and the assistance provided to Henry during her recovery.
© Gabrielle HenryUnda discussed the case in an interview featured by Telemundo’s “En Casa con Telemundo” on October 5, 2026. The segment focused specifically on the reported lawsuit involving Henry and Miss Universe.
What happened to Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry?
According to a joint statement released by the Miss Universe Organization and Henry’s family in December 2025, she fell through an opening in the stage while performing her walk. She suffered an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations, and other significant injuries.
© Getty ImagesThe accident required extensive medical treatment and hospitalization in Thailand. Henry later described the experience as deeply traumatic. Speaking to ABC News’ Deborah Roberts for “Good Morning America,” she said, “It’s one of the most traumatizing things,” adding that she “would not wish it on my worst enemy.”
According to Henry, she was following the directions and choreography she had been given when the accident happened. Reporting on the complaint says she alleges she fell approximately five feet through an unmarked and uncovered opening in the stage.
Gabrielle Henry files lawsuit after Miss Universe 2025 fall
Henry reportedly filed a lawsuit on September 21, 2026, in Delaware Superior Court against the Miss Universe Organization and two related companies, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA.
The complaint reportedly includes claims involving negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, retention, and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
© Miss UniverseHenry alleges that unsafe stage conditions contributed to the accident. According to reports describing the lawsuit, she claims intense lighting affected her visibility and that the opening she fell through was not properly marked or covered. These are allegations contained in the lawsuit and have not been established by a court.
The former Miss Jamaica contestant has also spoken publicly about the long-term impact of her injuries. “I have no recollection of the fall,” Henry told “Good Morning America,” according to PEOPLE. She said her first memory after the accident was waking up and seeing her mother.
© Miss UniverseMaría José Unda responds on behalf of Miss Universe
As questions surrounding the reported lawsuit intensified, María José Unda addressed the Miss Universe Organization’s response.
According to the organization’s position, responsibility for producing the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand, including the venue, stage, and on-site safety, rested with local host and production entities Miss Grand International and Miss Universe Thailand, under the direction of Nawat Itsaragrisil.
© AFP via Getty ImagesUnda emphasized, however, that Miss Universe stepped in following Henry’s accident. “From the moment of the accident, our priority was Gabrielle’s health, recovery and well-being,” Unda said in a statement reported by the Jamaica Observer.
She added that although operational responsibility rested with the local host and production entities, Miss Universe decided to support Henry and her family and make sure she received the care she needed.
Unda also addressed the broader safety implications of what happened. “What happened to Gabrielle is something we take very seriously,” she said, adding that the accident reinforced the importance of continually reviewing protections for delegates participating in Miss Universe events.
Has Miss Universe officially received Gabrielle Henry’s lawsuit?
Miss Universe has said it is aware of media reports about legal action connected to Henry’s accident but, as of its recent statements, has not been formally served with the complaint.
In a statement reported by GMA News, the organization said it had not been served with or received “any lawsuit, claim, demand letter, or subpoena” from Henry or someone acting on her behalf.
© Gabrielle HenryBecause of that, the organization said it was not in a position to address specific allegations it had not reviewed.
Miss Universe details the support provided to Gabrielle Henry
The organization has also emphasized the financial, medical and logistical assistance it says it provided following the accident.
According to Miss Universe and reporting on Unda’s response, the organization covered Henry’s hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand. It also covered accommodation and living expenses for family members who remained with her during her hospitalization and arranged a medically escorted return to Jamaica.
Those efforts were previously described in the December 8, 2025 joint statement from Miss Universe and Henry’s family.
© Gabrielle HenryAt that time, the statement said Miss Universe had covered hospital, medical, and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, along with costs for Henry’s mother and sister and her medically escorted repatriation.
The organization’s more recent statement says it has not received a subsequent request from Henry or her family for additional medical-expense assistance.
