Stephen Fry sues CogX festival over stage fall that broke his hip and pelvis
Sir Stephen Fry has initiated a personal injury lawsuit against CogX Festival Ltd and Blonstein Events Ltd following an incident at the O2 Arena in London in September 2023. The 68-year-old author and broadcaster suffered fractures to his leg, hip, pelvis, and ribs after stepping off a six-foot drop onto concrete post his keynote address on artificial intelligence. He is pursuing damages amounting to £100,000. Legal filings claim negligence and a failure to uphold safety standards in the stage and backstage areas. While CogX Festival Ltd refrained from commenting on the ongoing legal matter, they expressed concern for Fry's health. Blonstein Events Ltd director Sara Blonstein mentioned they have yet to receive formal notice but are confident in their position. Fry's attorney, Keith Barrett of Fieldfisher, indicated that legal action was essential due to the defendants' rejection of Fry's version of events. Fry resumed work three months after the incident.
Key facts
- Stephen Fry fell off a stage at the CogX festival at the O2 Arena in London on 14 September 2023.
- He broke his right leg, hip, pelvis in four places, and a bunch of ribs.
- The drop was approximately two meters (six feet) onto concrete.
- Fry is suing CogX Festival Ltd and Blonstein Events Ltd for up to £100,000 in damages.
- The claim alleges negligence and breach of statutory duty regarding stage safety and lighting.
- CogX Festival Ltd declined to comment; Blonstein Events Ltd says it has not been served and will defend.
- Fry's lawyer Keith Barrett of Fieldfisher is representing him.
- Fry returned to work three months after the fall.
Entities
Artists
- Stephen Fry
Institutions
- CogX Festival Ltd
- Blonstein Events Ltd
- Fieldfisher
- BBC
- BBC Radio 2
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- O2 Arena