Miss Universe Contestant Falls Off Stage Amid Competition Rigging Allegations

The Miss Universe pageant faced a series of dramatic setbacks this week, beginning with the resignation of two judges amid controversy and culminating with Jamaica’s contestant Gabrielle Henry suffering a stage fall during the preliminary evening gown competition in Thailand.

Henry was walking along the runway in a sequined orange dress when she unexpectedly fell off the main stage during the 2025 competition. She was immediately rushed to Paolo Rangsit Hospital, where medical professionals confirmed she did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.

“I was there with her family and her, and thankfully, there are no broken bones and she is under good care,” Miss Universe pageant president Raul Rocha said in an Instagram statement after visiting Henry. “She will remain under observation for the rest of the night and we will remain in touch with her family to support her.”

The incident deepened an already growing crisis for the prestigious international pageant, which had been rocked by controversy just days earlier when Lebanese-French composer and businessman Omar Harfouch resigned from the eight-member judging panel. Harfouch alleged impropriety in the selection process, claiming a “secret vote” had been conducted to pre-select 30 contestants from the field of 136 participants.

“This vote was carried out by individuals who are not official members of the jury, myself included,” Harfouch stated publicly. “To this day, no one knows who the selected 30 are, except one individual who holds the results.”

His resignation cited ethical concerns about potentially legitimizing a selection process he did not participate in, particularly when contestants from countries facing war, discrimination, or geopolitical sensitivities might be unfairly eliminated.

“I could not stand before the public and television cameras, pretending to legitimize a vote I never took part in,” Harfouch explained. “Viewers would assume the jury made these decisions, and I cannot bear responsibility for a process I did not participate in.”

The Miss Universe Organization swiftly rejected these allegations, releasing a statement on Instagram asserting that all judging procedures remain “official, transparent, and fully governed by MUO protocols.” The organization emphasized that no impromptu jury had been created and no external group had been authorized to evaluate delegates or select finalists.

Adding to the organization’s challenges, a second judge, former French soccer star Claude Makélélé, also withdrew from the competition, though he cited “unforeseen personal reasons” rather than concerns about the judging process.

“This was a difficult decision, as I hold Miss Universe in the highest regard,” Makélélé wrote on Instagram. “The platform represents empowerment, diversity, and excellence — values I have always championed throughout my career.”

The resignations and Henry’s accident have cast a shadow over what is traditionally one of the world’s most-watched beauty pageants. The Miss Universe competition has evolved significantly in recent years, facing increased scrutiny about its relevance, inclusivity, and judging standards in the modern era.

This year’s competition in Thailand brought together 136 contestants from around the world, making it one of the largest fields in the pageant’s 74-year history. The growing international representation reflects the organization’s efforts to expand its global reach and cultural significance.

Despite the controversy and unfortunate accident, the final day of the competition remains scheduled for November 21, when a new Miss Universe will be crowned. The organization has not announced any changes to the format or judging panel following the two resignations.

For Henry, who had been considered a strong contender representing Jamaica, her participation in the remainder of the competition remains uncertain as she recovers from her fall under medical supervision.