AN ACROBAT is suing Cirque du Soleil for a whopping £12million after plunging 15 feet during a performance without a safety net underneath.
Russian Mariia Konfektova, who holds the Guinness World Record for most seated aerial hoop rotations in 30 seconds, sustained multiple injuries in the “life-changing” fall during the Kooza show in Portland, Oregon.
Russian aerialist Mariia Konfektova pictured in her stage outfit Credit: konfektova.mariia/ Instagram
Part of the performance in Portland, just before the harrowing fall Credit: KOIN 6
Footage shows her suspended in the air, spinning on a ring, when she lost her grip and plummeted face-first on the hard stage floor.
A personal injury lawsuit has finally detailed the full extent of her injuries – 11 broken bones, fractures to her lower back, wrist, skull and at least seven bones in her face, as well as a concussion and double vision.
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Konfektova had to undergo multiple surgeries, The Oregonian reported.
She said she has been left with permanent injuries, according to the lawsuit.
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As a result, the artist is seeking the whopping sum from the largest contemporary circus producer in the world.
According to the lawsuit, Cirque du Soleil did not provide adequate safety equipment, including mats, nets or other equipment to mitigate harm from a fall.
It also alleged that Cirque du Soleil ignored concerns the performer raised about the rigging for the hoop she fell from, and that the circus fired her when she returned to work and continued raising safety concerns after the accident.
A GoFundMe set up by the artist detailed how she continues to live with “persistent double vision and other long-term complications”.
The moment her hand slipped from the ring Credit: KOIN 6
Konfektova sitting in a wheelchair in hospital Credit: konfektova.mariia/ Instagram
“Although I survived and worked hard to recover, I continue to live with persistent double vision and other long-term complications,” Konfektova said.
“Recent medical evaluations confirmed ongoing problems affecting my vision, jaw, facial symmetry, breathing, and daily life…”
She added: “Unfortunately, ongoing medical, insurance, legal, and immigration complications have made my situation increasingly difficult.
“My access to treatment remains uncertain, and I cannot fully return to my profession while my future surgeries are still ahead of me.”
Konfektova is among 16 performers who have suffered notable injuries during their career with Cirque du Soleil over the past 20 years.
The Oregonian reported that three were so catastrophic that the victims died – in Montreal in 2009, Las Vegas in 2013 and Tampa in 2018.
Almost all of the accidents involved falls ranging from 10 feet to 94 feet.
Shortly after the frightening fall, Cirque du Soleil said Konfektova was “recovering and being cared for by our medical and coaching team”.
A statement explained she had fallen on her head and was hospitalised, but left the full extent of her injuries unclear.
The Jattvibe has reached out to Cirque du Soleil for a comment.
