A beauty pageant stage is built for sparkle. It is definitely not built for a plunge, yet that’s exactly what Miss Jamaica Dr. Gabrielle Henry endured during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown competition on November 19. Her fall, caused by an unexpected opening on the stage, instantly became the most talked-about moment of the pageant season.
Now, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has released a detailed update on her condition, and it brings clarity, compassion, and a bit of needed calm after weeks of speculation.
Henry’s accident was far from minor. According to a new press release shared on December 8, the impact resulted in an intracranial hemorrhage, loss of consciousness, a fracture, facial lacerations, and other severe injuries. She was rushed to intensive care in Bangkok and remained in critical condition for several days, undergoing nonstop neurological monitoring. Her condition has steadily improved, but doctors are still keeping her under 24-hour specialist supervision.
The good news is that Henry is finally preparing to return home to Jamaica in the coming days. She won’t be flying solo. A full medical escort team will accompany her, and she’ll head straight to the hospital once she lands for continued treatment and recovery. It’s a long road ahead, but the wheels are turning in the right direction.
MUO Says They’ve Covered Every Step of Her Care
The MUO made a point to outline exactly what support they’ve provided during the crisis. They stated that they have covered Henry’s hospital, medical, and rehabilitation bills during her stay in Thailand. They’ve also taken care of accommodation and living expenses for her mother and sister, who traveled to be by her side. The organization is also funding her medically escorted repatriation flight and has pledged to continue covering all future medical expenses related to the incident.
© Miss UniverseIn the release, the MUO emphasized how deeply they’ve committed to Henry’s well-being. “From the time the incident took place, the Miss Universe Organization has stood beside Gabrielle and her family as if she were their own, assuming full and immediate responsibility without hesitation,” the statement shared. “The Henry family is deeply grateful to the Miss Universe Organization for their unwavering compassion, presence, and love shown. Their response so far has gone beyond professional responsibility and reflected devotion and protection of the family.”
Addressing Claims of Blame Behind Closed Doors
But the update didn’t stop at medical details. Recent stories from contestants added a swirl of controversy around how the situation was handled internally. Isnaïka Sapini, Miss Haiti, previously told PEOPLE that during a meeting shortly after the fall, a staff member appeared to blame Henry, suggesting she wasn’t paying attention. That comment sparked outrage, confusion, and online uproar.
MUO pushed back firmly in the new statement. They called any claims that Henry contributed to the fall entirely inaccurate. “Certain media reports suggesting that Dr. Henry contributed in any way to the incident are entirely inaccurate. The Miss Universe Organization has never attributed blame to Dr Henry and confirms that those suggestions are unfounded and do not reflect the facts,” read the statement.
Gratitude, Recovery, and A Call for Grace
At the end of the release, Henry and her family thanked supporters around the world for their love, prayers, and encouragement. “Dr. Henry and her family extend their heartfelt thanks to the people of Jamaica, the Miss Universe community, and supporters worldwide for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, and encouragement,” they concluded.
© Gabrielle HenryMiss Universe co-owner Raúl Rocha also shared the statement on Instagram, adding his own reflections. He confirmed Henry is preparing to go home and praised those who kept her in their prayers. In a heartfelt message, he addressed Henry directly, expressing the organization’s hope to work with her on meaningful charitable projects in Jamaica once she recovers.
While Henry still faces an extensive recovery, the latest update brings a sense of relief.
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