24.08.2026 18:30
After the horrific accident she experienced during a performance that changed her life, Russian acrobat Mariia Konfektova took Cirque du Soleil to court. Konfektova, who fell from a height of about 4.5 meters and broke 11 bones, filed a $16.75 million lawsuit against the famous circus, arguing that safety measures were insufficient.
Russian acrobat Mariia Konfektova, who was seriously injured after falling from a height of approximately 4.5 meters during a performance in the U.S. state of Oregon, has filed a $16.75 million lawsuit against Cirque du Soleil, alleging insufficient safety measures.
FELL 4.5 METERS ONTO THE STAGE
Konfektova fell from a height of approximately 4.5 meters on August 24, 2024, while transitioning between moves on the aerial hoop during Cirque du Soleil's "Kooza" show staged at the Portland Expo Center.
11 BONES WERE BROKEN
In the accident, Konfektova suffered fractures to at least 7 bones in her face, as well as to her skull, wrist, and lower back. The acrobat also stated that she experienced a concussion and double vision. Konfektova, who said she has been struggling with long-term health issues, expressed that she has not been able to fully return to her profession due to the surgeries she will need in the future.
"THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH SAFETY MEASURES"
In the lawsuit filed by Konfektova, it was alleged that there were no adequate safety mats, nets, or similar protective systems in the performance area to prevent potential falls or mitigate their impact.
Benjamin Goldstein, a witness to the accident, recounted that he initially thought the fall was part of the show. Goldstein said that after the incident, 10 to 12 members of the circus's emergency response team came onto the stage to attend to the acrobat.
FINE FROM OSHA
In the investigation by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it was stated that Konfektova fell while trying to transition between moves on the aerial hoop. The report noted that the ground where the acrobat fell had the capacity to reduce the impact.
OSHA imposed a fine of $8,070 on Cirque du Soleil due to the identified safety violations. It was reported that the company's appeal process regarding the fine is ongoing.
HAD RAISED SAFETY CONCERNS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT
Konfektova also alleged that before the accident, she had communicated her safety concerns to management regarding the weight of the hoop she used and the winch system of the show's rigging. The lawsuit also included the claim that the acrobat was fired by the company after the accident.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER
Konfektova had set a Guinness World Record in 2021 by performing 75 seated aerial hoop rotations in 30 seconds in Zhuhai, China. However, the acrobat, who states that the health problems she experienced after the accident have significantly impacted her career, argues that she cannot continue her profession as before due to treatment and future surgeries.
Konfektova is seeking $16.75 million in compensation from Cirque du Soleil for the physical and professional losses she has suffered.