Miss Universe Faces Fresh Outrage After Miss Haiti Says Miss Jamaica Was Blamed for Stage Fall

Post by : Saif Nasser

The Miss Universe 2025 pageant has once again found itself in the middle of a serious controversy. This time, the issue erupted after Miss Haiti, Melissa Sapini, claimed that a Miss Universe staff member blamed Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, for her frightening fall during the preliminary evening gown competition. The incident, which took place on November 19, left Miss Jamaica seriously injured and still in the hospital a week later.

Miss Jamaica was walking confidently in her orange evening gown when she suddenly slipped and fell off the stage. Videos of the moment shocked people worldwide as she had to be taken away on a stretcher. What began as a tragic accident has now grown into a heated debate about how the pageant handled the situation.

According to Miss Haiti, the contestants were called to a meeting shortly after the fall. She says a staff member spoke about the accident and suggested that Miss Jamaica fell because “she wasn’t paying attention.” Melissa Sapini described the moment as insensitive and upsetting. She explained that hearing such a comment, especially when a contestant was injured, left many participants shocked and disappointed. She added that the staff member later talked about safety being the top priority, but the initial blame placed on Miss Jamaica made many contestants uncomfortable.

Miss Haiti also opened up about the emotional weight of the entire experience. She recalled sitting with her roommate during a rare break, both looking at news reports about the ongoing controversies without speaking. She said they felt drained and heartbroken, as if their dreams were slipping away due to constant stress and negativity around the pageant.

Miss Jamaica continues to recover in a hospital in Thailand. Miss Universe owner Raul Rocha visited her in person and shared an update online, saying she was improving and close to being discharged. The Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation also confirmed that she was in good health and expected to leave the hospital soon.

This incident is not the only controversy troubling the 2025 pageant. Earlier, Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, who later became Miss Universe 2025. There have also been claims of rigged judging, disagreements between organisers, and even resignations from judges. These issues have cast a shadow over what is supposed to be a celebration of confidence, talent, and global unity.

As the Miss Universe organisation faces growing criticism, many contestants and fans hope for better transparency, improved safety, and more respectful treatment of participants. For now, the fall of Miss Jamaica remains a powerful reminder that competitions must prioritise humanity and care above all else.