Imagine the worst possible start to your dream: a dazzling stage, a glittering gown, and then… a terrifying fall. That's the reality Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, is facing after a shocking incident at the recent Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok. While Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch Fernández, ultimately took home the crown, the competition was marred by controversy and, most concerningly, a serious injury to Miss Jamaica.
Just a day before the televised finale, during the preliminary evening gown competition, Gabrielle Henry was showcasing a stunning orange gown when she tragically fell off the runway. Videos circulating online show the harrowing moment she was taken from the stage on a stretcher. Initially, reports suggested her injuries weren't life-threatening. Raúl Rocha, president of the Miss Universe organization, even shared on Instagram that he visited Henry at Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where she was surrounded by her family. A statement on Miss Jamaica’s Instagram echoed this sentiment, suggesting the injuries were not critical.
But here's where it gets concerning: as of Friday, Gabrielle Henry remained in the intensive care unit (ICU). Her sister, Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels, revealed in a statement on Miss Jamaica’s Instagram that Gabby's condition wasn't improving as hoped, emphasizing that the hospital staff were providing the best possible care. The statement also indicated that Miss Jamaica would remain in the ICU for at least seven days. This situation raises serious questions about the safety protocols in place at such a high-profile event.
And this is the part most people miss... This incident isn't an isolated event; it's part of a larger pattern of turmoil surrounding this year's Miss Universe competition. Earlier in the month, Miss Mexico, ironically the eventual winner, led a walkout after a pageant executive allegedly reprimanded her during a Facebook livestream. Furthermore, in the days leading up to the main event, two judges and the president of the selection committee resigned. One judge, Claude Makélélé, cited “unforeseen personal issues,” while the other, Omar Harfouch, made some very serious allegations.
Harfouch accused the Miss Universe organization of having an unofficial jury that preselected finalists, effectively undermining the official jury's role. He further claimed that some of these unofficial jurors had personal relationships with the contestants. Representatives for the Miss Universe organization denied these claims, according to the BBC. But here's where the plot thickens: Natalie Glebova, a former Miss Universe (2005) brought in as a replacement judge, appears to have ties to at least one current contestant. Glebova has reportedly coached Miss Universe Canada 2025, Jaime VandenBerg, who was competing in Thailand. Is this a conflict of interest? It definitely raises ethical questions about the fairness and impartiality of the judging process.
This entire situation sparks a crucial question: How can we ensure the safety and well-being of contestants in these high-pressure environments, and what steps can be taken to maintain fairness and transparency in the judging process? What do you think? Are the allegations of pre-selection and biased judging credible? And what responsibility does the Miss Universe organization have to ensure the long-term health and recovery of Miss Jamaica? The Cut has reached out to the Miss Universe organization for comment and will update this post if we hear back.
