Stephen Fry is suing two companies that organised a tech conference where he was injured in 2023 after falling off the stage, high court documents show. He broke his hip and sustained multiple fractures to his right leg, pelvis and ribs at the CogX festival at the O2 Arena on 14 September 2023.
The claim is against CogX Festival Ltd and Blonstein Events. The court document states the incident was caused by negligence and/or breach of statutory duty in failing to ensure the stage and backstage area were safe, adequately lit and properly protected against a fall from height. Fry is claiming damages up to £100,000, including for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
A spokesperson for CogX Festival Ltd declined to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing but expressed concern and best wishes for Fry's recovery. Blonstein Events director Sara Blonstein said the company has not yet been formally notified of the claim. A statement from Blonstein Events expressed confidence in their defence, stating they were in no way responsible.
In a radio interview after the fall, Fry described walking off the stage after his lecture, unaware of a six-foot drop onto concrete. He praised his lucky stars for not injuring his spine or skull, and thanked the NHS and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their care.
