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Acrobat's $16.75M Lawsuit After Cirque du Soleil Fall
24 Aug
Summary
- A former acrobat is suing Cirque du Soleil for $16.75 million.
- She suffered 11 broken bones and a concussion during a fall.
- The lawsuit alleges Cirque du Soleil failed to provide safety equipment.
A former Cirque du Soleil performer, Mariia Konfektova, is pursuing a $16.75 million lawsuit against the renowned circus. Konfektova suffered a fall of approximately 15 feet during a Kooza performance in Portland, Oregon, in August 2024. She alleges that Cirque du Soleil neglected to install essential safety equipment, such as mats and nets, which resulted in her sustaining multiple severe injuries.
Her injuries reportedly include 11 broken bones, extensive facial fractures, a concussion, and double vision. Konfektova's lawsuit contends that she had previously voiced safety concerns regarding the rigging system and equipment weight but these were disregarded. Following the accident, Cirque du Soleil confirmed her injury and stated that safety is a top priority, though the company was later fined by OSHA for safety violations, an appeal of which is pending.
Konfektova, a Guinness World Record holder for aerial hoop rotations, has also faced difficulties with ongoing medical treatments, insurance, legal, and immigration issues. She claims these complications have impacted her ability to return to work fully, necessitating further surgeries. The lawsuit also states that Cirque du Soleil terminated her employment, citing concerns about her mental fitness.
