Sir Stephen Fry is pursuing a legal claim for up to £100,000 in damages against CogX Festival Limited and Blonstein Events, according to High Court documents. The 68-year-old actor and presenter sustained multiple fractures after falling from a stage at the O2 Arena in September 2023, following his participation in a talk at the CogX festival.
Details of the Incident
The legal filing states that on September 14, 2023, Fry was engaged to deliver a presentation on artificial intelligence at the O2 Arena in London. After concluding his talk and while exiting the stage backstage area, he fell approximately two metres onto a concrete floor below. The claim alleges that the fall was caused by the negligence or breach of statutory duty of the defendants, their servants, or agents, for failing to ensure that the stage and backstage area were safe, adequately lit, and properly protected to prevent a fall from height.
Injuries and Damages Sought
Fry is claiming damages for personal injuries and consequential losses up to £100,000, including an award for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity exceeding £1,000, along with interest on damages and costs. In December 2023, Fry told Claudia Winkleman's BBC Radio 2 programme that he broke his right leg in several places, as well as his hip, pelvis in four places, and a number of ribs. He recounted: "I did my bow after delivering this lecture, turned to go off stage and didn't realise that I was walking off a part of the stage where there was nothing. Six-foot drop onto concrete."
Legal Representation and Response
Keith Barrett, a partner at law firm 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." CogX Festival and Blonstein Events have yet to submit a defence to the claim. No hearing has been scheduled as of yet.
