In a shocking turn of events at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, Miss Jamaica was rushed to a Bangkok hospital after tumbling from the stage during a preliminary round. The incident has cast a shadow over the glitzy competition, just days before the grand finale.
The Dramatic Stage Fall
Dr Gabrielle Henry, representing Jamaica as Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, suffered a dramatic fall during the evening gown segment on Wednesday evening. Footage from the event in Bangkok, Thailand, shows the ophthalmologist, radiant in a sparkling orange gown, confidently strutting down the runway before she unexpectedly stepped off the edge of the platform, plunging to the ground below.
Audience members reacted with immediate horror, their screams audible in videos of the incident. The atmosphere of glamour swiftly turned to concern as spectators were seen jumping from their seats to rush to the aid of the Jamaican beauty queen. Separate social media footage later showed the distressing scene of Ms Henry being carefully carried away from the venue on a stretcher.
Organisation Confirms No Life-Threatening Injuries
The Miss Jamaica organisation moved quickly to address public concern, releasing an official statement on the contestant's condition. The contestant was transported to Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Thailand for urgent medical assessment.
The statement provided reassurance, confirming that "Dr. Gabrielle Henry... did not sustain any life-threatening injuries." It elaborated further, noting, "Medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery."
In a call for public support, the organisation added, "We kindly ask everyone to stay upbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medical care."
A Pageant Marred by Controversy
This alarming incident is not the first controversy to hit this year's Miss Universe competition. The event has already been the centre of international attention following a viral clip that appeared to show Miss Israel, Melanie Shiraz, giving hostile looks to Miss Palestine, Nadeen Ayoub.
Shiraz has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming the video was edited to mislead audiences. She reported receiving an onslaught of online hatred and death threats in the wake of the clip, telling the New York Post, "It's not only death threats, but sexual assault threats. I experienced antisemitism before but I didn't think it would be this bad."
This follows another unprecedented event earlier this month where the reigning Miss Universe, Denmark's Victoria Theilvig, staged a walkout in solidarity with a fellow contestant who was publicly reprimanded by pageant officials. Theilvig justified her protest by stating, "This is about women's rights."
Dr Gabrielle Henry, beyond her pageant aspirations, is a qualified ophthalmologist and the founder of the See Me Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting the visually impaired across Jamaica. The Miss Universe pageant, now in its 73rd year, continues to be one of the world's most-watched and talked-about beauty competitions, though this year's event is proving particularly eventful.
