CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SUED FOR $16.75M OVER ACROBAT'S 15-FOOT FALL

Mariia Konfektova, a Russian acrobat, has filed a lawsuit against Cirque du Soleil seeking $16.75 million in damages following a fall during a Kooza performance in Portland, Oregon, in August 2024. Konfektova fell 15 feet during the show at the Portland Expo Centre. According to the lawsuit, filed Thursday, she sustained fractures to at least seven bones in her face, her skull, wrist and lower back, as well as a concussion and double vision. The lawsuit alleges that Cirque du Soleil failed to install safety mats, nets or fall protection underneath her during the performance.

Witnesses at the Portland Expo Centre reported that the fall occurred during a 7 p.m. performance on 24 August. One attendee stated that silence followed the fall and that initially observers believed it was part of the performance. Cirque du Soleil confirmed the incident in a statement issued two days after the accident, stating that the show was stopped briefly and that Konfektova was assisted by the tour intervention team and transported to hospital for examination. The organisation stated that the health and safety of its employees was its top priority. Konfektova later launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for medical costs, describing long-term complications and stating that she cannot fully return to work whilst requiring surgery.

The lawsuit was obtained by local media outlets. Konfektova has reported facing ongoing medical, insurance, legal and immigration complications resulting from the injury. Cirque du Soleil has been approached for comment on the lawsuit by The Independent.