Miss Universe president gives update on injured contestant: 'Close to being released'
The president of the Miss Universe competition has given an update on the contestant who fell from the stage in a sickening mishap six days ago.
The organisation's president Raúl Rocha issued the update on the health of Miss Universe Jamaica's Dr Gabrielle Henry, who fell from the main stage during the evening gown round of the preliminary competition held in Bangkok, Thailand.
She was rushed to Paolo Rangsit Hospital after the incident, where she remains.
Watch the video above.
Miss Universe organisers have shared an update on Jamaica's Dr Gabrielle Henry after her stage fall. Getty
Since then, rumours have circulated about the severity of Dr Henry's condition, which required a stint in intensive care.
In the days after the incident, an update shared on the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation's Instagram page said Dr Henry's sister, Dr Phylicia Henry-Samuels, and her mother Maureen Henry were by her side at the hospital.
It also quoted Dr Henry-Samuels as saying, "Gabby isn't doing as well as we would have hoped, but the hospital continues to treat her accordingly".
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She has spent several days in hospital after the incident. Nine
Now, Rocha has provided what he said was a "clear and respectful" update on the condition of Dr Henry, who is an ophthalmologist in her native Jamaica, but did not disclose her actual injuries "out of respect for Dr Henry and her family".
He added this was because "the organisation maintains strict discretion regarding specific details of her medical status".
"We believe that matters concerning her health should be communicated only at the appropriate time and solely at the family's discretion, or by Dr Henry herself, should she choose to do so," he said.
"While unfounded speculation has circulated publicly, our full attention has remained on Dr Henry's care and recovery.
"We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital."
Rocha also addressed the aftermath of the accident itself.
"It is important to clarify that the moment the on-stage accident occurred, immediate action was taken to ensure her safety and well-being," Rocha said.
He said he personally entered the stage to assist her and coordinate "urgent medical attention", including her "immediate transfer to the hospital".
Rocha revealed he went to the emergency room alongside her family, where he recommended "precautionary actions" including some that were "beyond standard protocol".
"Additional medical specialists were also brought in to provide multiple professional assessments..."
Rocha said the Miss Universe organisation would cover all medical expenses, as well as expenses incurred by her family.
Mexico's Fatima Bosch was named the winner of the controversy-plagued Miss Universe 2025 pageant. AP
"Over the past four days, there have been difficult moments and unexpected concerns. However, thanks to the excellent medical care provided, each issue was successfully resolved," he said.
"Today, we are pleased to share that the latest medical report confirms that Dr Henry is in good health and nearing discharge."
Rocha said that going forward he would continue to communicate "only essential information" with the public.
The competition was eventually won by Mexico's entrant Fatima Bosch but only after a number of scandals, including one which involved Bosch.
Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil told off Fatima Bosch for failing to post promotional content.
The dressing down occurred in front of dozens of contestants and led several to walk out of a pre-pageant event.
Later, two Miss Universe judges resigned days before the pageant commenced, with one accusing organisers of rigging the selection process.
Now, a fresh scandal has emerged, with one of the runners-up, Olivia Yace, who represented Côte d'Ivoire, announcing overnight that she will step down from her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title.
Miss Universe Cote d' Ivoire, Olivia Yace, has relinquished her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title. Getty
Yace, who finished fourth runner-up, took to Instagram overnight to say she was relinquishing her title.
"As the representative of Côte d'Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity," she wrote.
"But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me.
"With a heart full of gratitude and profound respect, I hereby announce my resignation from the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title as well as from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee".
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