A former Cirque du Soleil acrobat has filed a lawsuit against the circus company for $16.75 million following a 15-foot fall during a performance in Portland, Oregon. The plaintiff, Mariia Konfektova, alleges the company failed to provide adequate safety equipment, such as mats or nets, during her aerial routine.
The incident occurred in August 2024 at the Portland Expo Center during a performance of the show "Kooza." According to reports from the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Konfektova fell while transitioning between movements on an aerial hoop. At the time, Cirque du Soleil stated that the artist was immediately treated by an intervention team and transported to a hospital, emphasizing that employee safety is the company's "top priority."
In the legal filing, Konfektova claims the fall resulted in a concussion, double vision, and 11 broken bones, including fractures to her skull, wrist, lower back, and seven bones in her face. The lawsuit further alleges that Konfektova had previously raised concerns regarding the winch and the weight of the hoop used in her act. According to the complaint, Cirque du Soleil later terminated her employment, citing concerns over her mental fitness to work.
For the broader live entertainment industry, the case highlights the regulatory and financial risks associated with high-risk performances. Cirque du Soleil was previously fined $8,070 by OSHA for safety violations related to the incident, though the company has appealed at least one of those citations. A legal ruling in favor of the plaintiff could influence how circus troupes and traveling shows manage fall protection and address internal safety reports from performers.
What happens next depends on the progression of the lawsuit filed in August 2026. While Cirque du Soleil has not yet provided a public comment on the specific allegations in the suit, the company’s appeal of the OSHA citations remains pending. Konfektova continues to seek public donations for her medical costs, stating that her access to necessary treatment remains uncertain while she is unable to work. No trial date has been reported.