Miss Universe exec forced to release health update about Miss Jamaica after her shock fall during pageant

The Miss Universe organization has given a much-anticipated update on the current health status of Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, after she had a shock fall off the stage during the competition.

Henry, 28, fell off the stage during the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe in Thailand on November 19, and was rushed to the hospital.

Audience members could be heard screaming as they reacted to the dramatic fall, and some were even seen jumping up from their seats to help the Jamaican beauty queen. 

She was seen being wheeled out of the event on a stretcher in videos that were captured by social media users. 

In an update posted by her sister, Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels, to social media on Friday, she shared that Henry ‘wasn’t doing as well’ as they had hoped, and that she would remain in the Intensive Care Unit for an additional week.

It caused a worried frenzy in the media, as many fans rushed to send her well-wishes.  

Now, Miss Universe president Raul Rocha has given another update on the contestant, which was posted to his Instagram page on Monday morning, to address the ‘unfounded speculation.’

Rocha said that it looks like Henry will be released from the hospital soon, as he also shared how the Miss Universe Organization is supporting her and her family during this time.  

The statement read: ‘The Miss Universe Organization wishes to address recent speculation by providing a clear and respectful update regarding Dr. Gabrielle Henry Miss Universe Jamaica 2025.

‘Out of respect for Dr. Henry and her family, the Organization maintains strict discretion regarding specific details of her medical status. 

‘We believe that matters concerning her health should be communicated only at the appropriate time and solely at the family’s discretion, or by Dr. Henry herself should she choose to do so.’

He continued that it was ‘important to clarify that from the moment the onstage accident occurred, immediate action was taken to ensure her safety and well-being.’

Emphasizing his involvement throughout, he added: ‘I personally entered the stage to assist her, coordinated urgent medical attention, and oversaw her immediate transfer to the hospital.

‘I was present at the emergency room alongside her family, with whom I spoke directly. I recommended a series of precautionary actions, some beyond standard protocol, to guarantee the most accurate evaluation, monitoring, and medical oversight.

‘Additional medical specialist were also brought in to provide multiple professional assessment and ensure full clarity regarding her condition. 

‘The Miss Universe Organization has assumed one hundred precent of all related expenses, including those of Dr. Henry’s family. This has included hotel accommodation near the hospital, rebooking of airline tickets, transportation services, and dedicated assigned to accompany and assist the family throughout this process.

‘Over the past four days, there have been difficult moments and unexpected concerns. However, thanks to the excellent medical care provided, each issue was successfully resolved. Today, we are pleased to share that the latest medical report confirms that Dr. Gabrielle Henry is in good health and nearing discharge.’

The message pointedly concluded: ‘We will continue to communicate only essential information with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. While unfounded speculation has circulated publicly, our full attention has remained on Dr. Henry’s care and recovery. We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital.’ 

In a previous update, Rocha had shared that Henry did not sustain any broken bones from the scary fall.

The incident took place as pageant contestants competed in multiple rounds, including swimsuit, national costume and evening gown categories in a bid to make it to the Miss Universe finale on Friday.

Now in its 73rd year, the pageant is one of the world’s longest-running beauty competitions.

This year, the crown was awarded to Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch Fernández.

She made headlines earlier this month after she stormed out of a key event after pageant organizer Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated her and called her ‘dumb’ in front of stunned competitors. 

The trouble began at a promotional event where Thai media tycoon and pageant organizer Itsaragrisilangrily confronted Bosch over her apparent failure to post promotional content on her social media.

When she pushed back, he dramatically called in security and threatened to punish anyone siding with her – prompting Bosch to walk out as several contestants bravely followed. 

Other beauty queens appeared to rise in solidarity with Bosch, before freezing as Itsaragrisil warned those still wanting to participate should ‘sit down’.

Itsaragrisil had even threatened to disqualify anyone who dared to defend her, but dozens of Bosch’s pageant pals staged a walkout that sent shockwaves through the beauty world and turned the winner into a symbol of defiance. 

‘What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,’ Bosch told reporters at the time.

‘The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.’