Sir Stephen Fry has initiated a High Court legal action against the CogX tech conference and its event organisers, seeking up to £100,000 in damages following a severe fall in September 2023 that resulted in multiple fractures.
Details of the Incident
The 68-year-old actor, comedian, and broadcaster suffered a six-foot drop onto a concrete floor while delivering the keynote address at the CogX Festival held at the O2 Arena in London. The fall left him with broken bones in his leg, hip, pelvis, and several ribs.
Speaking to Claudia Winkleman on BBC Radio 2 in December 2023, Fry described the accident: "I did my bow after delivering this lecture, turned to go off stage and didn't realise that I was walking off the part of the stage where there was nothing - just a 6ft drop onto concrete." He added that he broke his right leg in several places, his hip and pelvis in four places, and a number of ribs.
Recovery and Aftermath
Fry noted that he used a walking stick for a period but eventually recovered fully. "I am now fine. I’m now without a stick, like Lazarus; I have cast aside my crutches and stick," he said. He expressed gratitude for his recovery, acknowledging that a fall from a lesser height could have resulted in far more severe consequences.
Legal Claim
A personal injury claim has now been filed against CogX Festival Ltd and creative agency Blonstein Events Ltd. Court documents state: "The Claimant brings a claim for damages for personal injuries sustained on 14 September 2023 at the O2 Arena, London, whilst attending the CogX Festival, where he had been engaged to deliver a talk on Artificial Intelligence."
The documents further allege that the incident was caused by negligence and/or breach of statutory duty, claiming the defendants failed to ensure the stage and backstage area were safe, adequately lit, and properly protected to prevent a fall from height.
Responses
A spokesperson for CogX Festival Ltd told the BBC: "We are unable to comment while the legal process is ongoing, but we were all deeply concerned when Stephen had the accident after giving his incredible speech on the Impact of AI, and we continue to send him our best wishes for a full recovery."
Keith Barrett, a lawyer and partner at Fieldfisher representing Fry, stated: "It’s very unfortunate that court proceedings were necessary, but the defendants do not accept Sir Stephen’s account of events, and we have had to ask the court to determine who is responsible for his injury and losses."
No hearing has yet been scheduled. The Mirror has approached CogX Festival Limited and Blonstein Events for comment.
