A Miss Universe executive has responded to reports that Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry has filed a lawsuit following the serious injuries she sustained after falling through an opening in the stage during last year’s competition in Thailand.

María José Unda, vice president of International Affairs for the Miss Universe Organization, addressed the controversy nearly a year after Henry’s November 19, 2025 accident during the preliminary round of the 74th Miss Universe pageant.

Unda discussed the matter during an interview featured on Telemundo’s “En Casa con Telemundo” on October 5.

Henry reportedly filed a lawsuit in Delaware Superior Court on September 21 against the Miss Universe Organization and two related companies, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA.

The reported complaint includes allegations of negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Henry alleges that she fell approximately five feet through an unmarked and uncovered opening while performing her evening gown walk. She has maintained that she was following the choreography and directions provided to contestants.

The allegations have not been established by a court.

Miss Universe executive addresses responsibility

According to the Miss Universe Organization’s position, responsibility for producing the 2025 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.

Unda said the organization nevertheless became involved immediately after Henry was injured.

“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 said Miss Universe decided to support Henry and her family and ensure the Jamaican beauty queen received appropriate medical care despite its position regarding operational responsibility for the event.

Unda also said the incident underscored the need for continued attention to contestant safety.

“What happened to Gabrielle is something we take very seriously,” she said, adding that the accident reinforced the importance of continually reviewing safeguards for delegates participating in Miss Universe events.

Organization says it has not received lawsuit

The Miss Universe Organization has also said that while it is aware of media reports concerning legal action, it has not been formally served with Henry’s lawsuit.

According to 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 anyone acting on her behalf.

It therefore said it was not in a position to respond to the specific allegations contained in the reported complaint.

Henry suffered serious injuries

According to a joint statement issued by Miss Universe and Henry’s family in December 2025, Henry 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.

The Jamaican doctor and beauty queen required extensive treatment and hospitalization in Thailand before eventually returning home.

Henry later described the ordeal as deeply traumatic.

“It’s one of the most traumatizing things,” she told ABC News’ Deborah Roberts during an appearance on “Good Morning America,” adding that she “would not wish it on my worst enemy.”

Henry said she has no memory of the actual fall and that her first recollection following the accident was waking up and seeing her mother.

Miss Universe details assistance provided

Miss Universe has maintained that it provided extensive financial, medical and logistical support following Henry’s accident.

The organization said it covered her hospital, medical and rehabilitation expenses in Thailand, as well as accommodation and living expenses for relatives who remained with her during her hospitalization.

It also arranged and paid for her medically escorted return to Jamaica.

Those measures were previously outlined in the December 2025 joint statement issued by the organization and Henry’s family.

Miss Universe has since said it has not received an additional request from Henry or her family for assistance with medical expenses.

Henry has continued her recovery since returning to Jamaica and has made several public appearances following the life-threatening incident.

The reported lawsuit now places renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding her fall and the question of responsibility for safety at the 2025 Miss Universe competition.