Key Highlights
- Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry fell off the stage during the Miss Universe preliminary round.
- The incident occurred on November 18, 2023, at the pageant held in Thailand.
- Dr. Henry is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition after sustaining minor injuries.
- The pageant has been marred by recent controversies including a judge’s accusation of misconduct.
Miss Jamaica’s Stage Fall During Miss Universe Preliminary Round
Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, took an unexpected tumble during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown round on November 18, 2023, in Thailand. The incident was captured and shared widely via social media, causing shock among viewers and participants alike.
Incident Details
During her walk across the stage in a long, flowing orange gown, Henry suddenly fell off, leading to a moment of tension on the live broadcast. Another video showed a person being taken away in a stretcher, adding to the concern about Dr. Henry’s well-being.
Medical Attention and Status
In a statement released on November 19, 2023, the Miss Universe Organization announced that its president, Raúl Rocha Cantú, had visited Dr. Henry and reported that she was in stable condition after sustaining “a couple of minor wounds.” Dr. Henry is being treated at a hospital in Bangkok and will remain under observation overnight.
Cantú also shared this information on his Instagram post, assuring followers that there were no broken bones and that Dr. Henry is receiving good care. “I was there with her family and her, and thankfully, there are no broken bones and she is under good care,” Cantú wrote.
Pageant Scandal Continues
The Miss Universe pageant has faced several controversies in recent days, including a judge’s accusations of misconduct. On November 18, composer Omar Harfouch made several accusations about the integrity of the organization’s global competition. He accused an “impromptu jury” of selecting finalists without the presence of eight “real jury members.” Harfouch also alleged that he had a “disrespectful conversation” with Cantú regarding the “lack of transparency in the Miss Universe voting process.” The organization has publicly denied these accusations.
Previous Controversies
The pageant was previously criticized for an incident on November 4, when Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil called Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, “stupid” during a livestreamed speech to contestants. This led to walkouts from fellow contestants and characterized the events as “unacceptable.” Despite its tearful apology, the organization responded by announcing sanctions against Itsaragrisil.
Implications for Future Pageant
The series of controversies surrounding the Miss Universe pageant have raised questions about the event’s integrity. The fall of Dr. Henry and Harfouch’s accusations add to a growing list of issues that may impact how the 74th annual pageant is perceived by participants, sponsors, and viewers.
As the pageant moves forward with its preliminary rounds leading up to the final competition on November 21, 2023, organizers must address these ongoing concerns. The incident has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the organization’s operations.
