Gabrielle Henry is suing the Miss Universe Organization over the fall that changed her life, but she is not ready to say that her time in pageants is over.
The former Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder said she cannot answer “right now” whether she will compete again. Her recovery from the serious injuries she suffered during the 2025 Miss Universe preliminaries remains her priority, she told PEOPLE.
Henry still described pageantry as a “wonderful platform” and said she would encourage other women to compete despite what happened to her in Thailand.
She also left open the possibility of eventually returning herself. “I will address that question at a later date, for sure,” Henry said.
Henry Says Pageants Helped Her Come Out of Her Shell
Henry described herself as extremely shy and introverted before entering pageants. Competing pushed her beyond that comfort zone and helped her develop confidence.
She believes other women can find the same opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery through pageantry. Her injuries have not changed her view of what competing can offer them.
Henry also remains in contact with women she met through Miss Universe, including Miss Universe Bahamas 2025 Malique Bowe. She recalled receiving concerned messages from fellow contestants while she was hospitalized following the accident.
Her Recovery Has Required Her to Relearn Basic Physical Abilities
Henry fell through an opening in the stage during the preliminary evening gown competition in Thailand on November 19, 2025. A joint statement released by her family and the Miss Universe Organization the following month said she suffered an intracranial hemorrhage with loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations and other significant injuries.
In a first-person account for PEOPLE, Henry described having to rebuild basic physical abilities during her recovery. Walking hospital hallways without assistance became difficult, and there were periods when she could not bathe herself.
Henry has since returned to her medical career on a modified schedule while continuing treatment. In August, she returned to the Miss Universe Jamaica stage to crown her successor and complete her final duty as titleholder.
Speaking to Good Morning America, Henry said she has continued experiencing severe pain and described nights when it prevented her from sleeping. She also recalled fearing that the injuries could cost her the medical career she had spent years building.
Henry Filed a Lawsuit Nearly a Year After the Fall
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Henry filed a lawsuit on September 21 against the Miss Universe Organization, JKN Legacy Inc. and Legacy Holding Group USA. Her complaint brings five claims, including negligence, premises liability, negligent hiring, retention and supervision, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Henry told Good Morning America that she was following the choreography she had rehearsed when she fell. She said she does not believe she tripped and argued that protective measures should have been in place around the opening in the stage.
“I do think it could have been avoided,” Henry said.
The Miss Universe Organization told ABC News that Henry’s health and well-being had “always been a priority.” The organization said it had not received the lawsuit when asked for comment and therefore was not in a position to address claims it had not seen.
Miss Universe also said it covered Henry’s medical and rehabilitation expenses while she was in Thailand. Henry told ABC News that the organization provided support during that period but said she had received little feedback about her continuing medical expenses after returning to Jamaica.