Miss Universe preliminaries marked by Gabrielle Henry’s hospitalization after stage fall
-AFP
Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, was carried out on a stretcher after taking a hard fall off the stage during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown competition in Thailand on Nov. 19, sending shockwaves through the pageant community and sparking widespread concern for her safety.
Videos circulating on social media show Henry confidently gliding across the stage in an orange evening gown and high heels before misstepping at the edge and plunging off the platform.
Subsequent footage captured her being escorted out of the venue on a stretcher as staff rushed to assist.
Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, took a terrifying fall during the preliminary competition of the 2025 Miss Universe pageant and had to be removed on a stretcher. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pIlByzz0EZ
Raul Rocha, owner of the Miss Universe Organization, later shared an update on Instagram, assuring followers that Henry had been examined at a Bangkok hospital and had suffered no broken bones.
“She is under good care,” Rocha wrote, noting he had been with Henry and her family.
The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization also released a statement confirming that Henry had been transported to Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where doctors determined she had no life-threatening injuries but continued running tests to ensure a full recovery.
Before the incident, Henry had posted upbeat behind-the-scenes clips of herself preparing for the night’s events, including her ride to the venue and her glam session ahead of the preliminary rounds.
The night proved tumultuous for more than one contestant. Miss Great Britain Danielle Latimer also slipped during the national costume segment while dressed in a look inspired by My Fair Lady’s Eliza Doolittle.
Latimer later joked on Instagram that she hoped the audience “enjoyed [her] performance,” adding that Henry had offered her kind words afterward.
The fall comes amid a turbulent period for the Miss Universe pageant. Executive Nawat Itsaragrisil was dismissed after a viral livestream with Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch led contestants to stage a walkout.
Days later, judge Omar Harfouch resigned, alleging the organization had formed an “impromptu jury” to pre-select 30 finalists before the preliminary competition even began.
Two additional judges, Claude Makélélé and Princess Camilla di Borbone delle Due Sicilie, have since stepped down.
As the finals approach this weekend, all eyes remain on Henry’s recovery, and on a pageant already grappling with multiple controversies.