The Miss Universe beauty pageant has come to an abrupt halt after Miss Jamaica suffered a medical emergency when she fell from the stage.
Footage shows Doctor Gabrielle Henry walking down the runway in a sparkling, orange gown during the preliminary round of the competition in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old had been competing in the swimsuit, national costume and evening gown rounds to make the finale round, due to take place today.
However, moments into her walk, she stumbled before dramatically plunging off the edge of the stage and into the ground below.
Audience members screamed as they watched on, reacting to the dramatic fall. Some even jumped up from the seats, rushing to help the Jamaican beauty queen.
A short time after her tumble, Dr Henry can be seen being carried backstage on a stretcher in a separate clip posted online.
Organisers of the event confirmed that she was taken to Paolo Rangsit hospital in the capital of Thailand.
The official Miss Universe Jamaica organisation released a statement reassuring fans that she is recovering.
“Dr Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, experienced a fall from the main stage during the evening gown round of the preliminary competition ahead of this weekend’s Miss Universe Finals in Thailand,” the statement read.
“She was rushed to the Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery.
“We kindly ask everyone to stay upbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medical care. We thank everyone for their outpouring of love, support, and continued prayers.”
There was an outpouring of sympathy and well-wishes on social media after the clips went viral.
“Despite the misfortune of your fall on stage, you will rise again and continue to inspire us all.”
“Praying a speedy recovery for you, Gabrielle. This cannot and will not stop you!”
“She will recover quickly and take the crown!!”
After 73 years, Miss Universe remains the world’s longest-running beauty competition, and one that reliably draws millions of viewers and intense online commentary. This year has been no different.
In the first week of November alone the competition made headlines for a variety of reasons.
Chile’s contestant, Ignacia Fernandez, went viral online for her performance of a death metal hit while showcasing her talent.
The piece she performed, with her death metal band Decessus, was an original song. While dressed in a glamorous black gown, she unleashed her vocals on the audience before earning herself a standing ovation.
The clip went viral online, where praise continued for her unique show.
“HELL YEAH!” one commenter cheered.
“Very inspiring seeing a metal girl in the pageant world,” another user praised.
A third added in disbelief: “I can’t believe this is real. I thought it was AI.”
In the same week, the competition made headlines for a controversial reason, after the 2024 Miss Universe winner stormed out of a hotel during a pre-event alongside other contestants.
It happened after Miss Mexico was publicly reprimanded by a pageant boss for having “no respect.”
Nawat Itsaragrisil, the Vice President for Asia and Oceana of the organisation, chastised Fatima Bosch after she failed to attend a sponsor shoot earlier that day.
He claimed the beauty queen “doesn’t do anything she doesn’t like.”
Footage of the dressing down was shared all over the internet, with Bosch clearly uncomfortable with the conversation.
The incident sparked a staged walkout among the other queens, including 2024 winner Victoria Theilvig, after Bosch was asked to leave with security.
“This is about women’s rights … I’m so sorry, we need to do something bigger,” Theilvig told an interviewer outside the event.
“We have respect for everyone, but this is not how things can be handled. To trash another girl – it’s beyond disrespectful, and it’s nothing I’ve ever done. That’s why I’m taking my coat and I’m going.”
