Cirque du Soleil sued by acrobat after 15-foot fall

Mariia Konfektova, a Russian aerialist and world record holder, has filed a $16.75 million personal injury lawsuit against Cirque du Soleil following a serious accident during a performance of the ‘Kooza’ show in Portland, Oregon.

The incident occurred in 2024 when Konfektova fell approximately 15 feet (4.5 meters) from a swinging aerial hoop. The lawsuit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court, alleges the fall resulted in 11 broken bones, including fractures to her skull, wrist, lower back, and at least seven facial bones, as well as a concussion and double vision.

Konfektova’s legal complaint claims that Cirque du Soleil failed to provide adequate safety measures, such as nets or mats, to mitigate the impact of a fall. Furthermore, the suit alleges that the company disregarded safety concerns Konfektova had previously raised regarding the rigging and equipment. The filing also asserts that she was terminated from her position after returning to work and continuing to voice safety concerns following the accident.