4.5 meters to the ground, 11 bones broken: lawsuit of 16.75 million dollars against Cirque du Soleil

The life of Russian acrobat Mariia Konfektova changed after a severe accident during Cirque du Soleil's 'Kooza' show. In the Oregon‑based performance, Konfektova fell from about 4,5 meters, breaking 11 bones in various parts of her body and suffering serious health problems, she said, filing a lawsuit against the world‑famous circus.

Konfektova argued that the accident occurred because adequate safety measures were not taken, and she demanded $16,75 million in damages from the court.

Fell from about 4,5 meters to the ground.

The accident occurred during the 'Kooza' show held on 24 August 2024 at the Portland Expo Center. While performing on the aerial hoop, Konfektova fell onto the stage from about 4,5 meters during a transition between moves.

Seven fractures occurred on her face.

The fall caused at least seven facial fractures, along with breaks in the skull, wrist and lumbar region. Konfektova also stated that she suffered a concussion and experienced double‑vision.

After the accident, the acrobat, who received treatment for an extended period, said that the health problems he experienced had also seriously affected his career and that he would need new surgeries in the future.

"Security measures were inadequate" claim

In the lawsuit petition, it was alleged that there was no sufficient safety equipment that could reduce the impact of a possible fall during the performance. Konfektova argued that protective systems such as safety mats and nets were inadequate.

Benjamin Goldstein, who witnessed the accident, said that at first he thought the fall that occurred was part of the show, and that immediately after the incident the emergency response team intervened with the acrobat.

OSHA fine for Cirque du Soleil

In the investigation by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it was stated that the accident occurred during movements in the aerial hoop. The agency imposed a fine of $8,070 on Cirque du Soleil for the security violations it identified.

It was reported that the company's appeal process against the penalty is ongoing.

He also voiced his concerns before the accident.

Konfektova claimed that she had expressed her concerns to management about the weight of the aerial hoop she used before the accident and the safety of the crane system. The lawsuit also alleged that the acrobat's relationship with the company was severed after the accident.

Accident That Impacted His Career.

In 2021, Konfektova broke the Guinness World Record by performing 75 rotations of an aerial hoop in 30 seconds in Zhuhai, China.

However, the acrobat, who said he could not resume his profession as before due to the treatment process and health problems following the severe injury, is demanding $16.75 million in compensation from Cirque du Soleil for the physical and professional losses he claims he suffered.