Former Miss Universe Jamaica recalls life-altering fall and why she's suing Miss Universe

Former Miss Universe Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry is opening up about the terrifying moment she fell from the Miss Universe pageant stage at the 2025 competition.

In her first sit-down interview about the incident, Henry, an ophthalmology resident, spoke about the details of that night, the physical and emotional toll of her recovery and why she is suing the Miss Universe Organization.

"It's one of the most traumatizing things," Henry told ABC News' Deborah Roberts in an interview that aired Thursday on "Good Morning America." "I would not wish it on my worst enemy.

There is almost an out-of-body experience. A sense of disassociation from oneself," continued Henry, who suffered a brain bleed due to the fall, along with facial and back injuries. "It took me so long to get back to that place where I said, this is my body, this is who I am, I'm still here."

The moment, which went viral on social media, shows Henry walking on stage in an orange gown, then suddenly falling through an opening on the stage.

"I looked at the cameras as we were instructed to do," Henry recalled. "I was following what we had rehearsed. I stopped when I was told to stop, I looked at the cameras and then when I was instructed to go, I turned to the left, which I was told to do. And in that moment is when those dreams shattered."

Henry said she lost consciousness and has no recollection of the fall, but understands that the bottom of the hole was a concrete base.

"The first memory I have is that of waking up to my mother who was looking down on me," she said. "It was the first time I have ever seen my mother look so concerned. As soon as I saw my mom, I blacked out again."

Henry was immediately rushed to the hospital and was admitted to intensive care, where she remained in critical condition under constant neurological monitoring, according to a statement at the time from the Miss Universe Organization and Henry's family.

"In the initial stages, Miss Universe was quite present and did provide support while in Thailand," Henry said. "However, following my return in Jamaica, I have not had much feedback from them as it pertains to covering my medical expenses, which are still ongoing."

Henry also said that her life hasn't been the same since the incident and has had nights where she hasn't been able to sleep due to how "severe the pain is." She also feared she would lose her career due to what happened.

"I know for a fact I did not trip," she said. "I do think it could have been avoided. I think that proper measures could have and should have been put in place."

She continued, "It was the responsibility of those who had organized the stage, who had put in the lighting to ensure that the protective mechanisms were also there, that the hole was barricaded or covered."

Now, Henry is suing the Miss Universe Organization. In the lawsuit, filed on Sept. 21, Henry brings five claims against the organization and its parent companies, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA, including negligence, negligent hiring, retention and supervision; and both negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Her attorney, Joseph Ciaccio, says that the suit is about accountability and keeping contestants safe.

"I don't think anybody assumes the responsibility that they could be basically almost killed walking on stage at a Miss Universe organization pageant," Ciaccio told ABC News. "I believe all the women there entrust the organization to have their well-being in mind to keep them safe to the best of their ability and take what in this instance would have been very simple steps to keep Gabrielle safe."

The Miss Universe Organization said in a statement to ABC News that "the health and well-being of Ms. Gabrielle Henry has always been a priority," but that they have not yet received the lawsuit and are "therefore not in a position to comment on claims we have not seen."

The organization added that it has "not received any request or claim for additional medical expenses."

Moving forward, Henry said that she wants to "continue healing, continue growing and continue along the path that has been set out for me."

She also reflected on what representing Jamaica meant to her.

"I was so happy to have this honor of representing my small little island," she said. "It truly gave me so much joy."