Mariia Konfektova has brought forth allegations against a company, claiming it neglected to ensure sufficient fall protection and disregarded warnings about the rigging prior to her injury in 2024.
WASHINGTON — Editor’s Note: This story includes a photograph that may be unsettling for some readers.
An aerial artist from Cirque du Soleil who sustained 11 broken bones after a dramatic 15-foot plunge during a 2024 performance has initiated a lawsuit against the company, demanding $16.75 million. The performer accuses the company of failing to supply the necessary fall protection measures.
Mariia Konfektova, a seasoned aerial hoop artist hailing from Russia, lodged the lawsuit on Thursday at the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Oregon.
During a performance of Cirque du Soleil’s “KOOZA” at the Portland Expo Center, Konfektova suffered a fall from her aerial hoop, leading to her injuries.
According to the lawsuit, Konfektova was transitioning between movements when her right foot slipped while her other foot was wrapped around a rope at the top of the hoop. Her hands were touching the hoop for stability but were not gripping it, which caused her to fall toward the stage.
Konfektova suffered fractures to her skull, wrist, lower back and seven facial bones, among other injuries, according to the lawsuit. She required multiple surgeries and has been left with permanent injuries, the lawsuit alleges.
Konfektova claims Cirque du Soleil failed to provide adequate safety measures, including mats, nets or other fall protection. She also alleges the company ignored concerns she had raised about the rigging.
Months after the fall, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division, or OSHA, fined Cirque du Soleil $8,070 for failing to have safety systems in place.
According to that lawsuit, Cirque du Soleil told OSHA that the company generally began requiring fall protection at heights of 20 feet. Konfektova’s performance was set at a height of about 15 feet.
OSHA also issued the company a second citation related to the makeup of an employee safety committee, though no fine was imposed for that violation. Cirque du Soleil appealed one of the citations in January 2025, and the case remains on appeal, OSHA said.
The lawsuit also cites reports of other fall-related injuries at Cirque du Soleil performances and training sessions between 2006 and 2021, including two deaths.
Before her injury, Konfektova had about eight years of experience as an aerial hoop artist. She also held a Guinness World Record for the most seated aerial hoop rotations in 30 seconds, according to the lawsuit.
Konfektova has shared photos showing some of the injuries she suffered, including a black eye and bloodied nose.
Konfektova’s attorney declined to comment on the lawsuit. Cirque du Soleil also declined to comment on the case, which is pending.