Stephen Fry sues festival companies for £100,000 over stage fall

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 09:29 · Archive

Sir Stephen Fry is suing three companies for up to £100,000 after falling two metres from a stage at the CogX festival in September 2023.

Sir Stephen Fry fell off a stage at the CogX festival in September 2023, falling two metres onto a concrete floor. The 69-year-old actor and presenter is now suing CogX Festival Limited, Blonstein Events and Sourced Global Ltd for up to £100,000 in damages.

Fry's lawyers allege the companies were negligent in failing to ensure that the stage and backstage area were safe, adequately lit and properly protected. However, the companies dispute liability.

John Brown, representing CogX Festival Limited, said the company had no involvement in the design and construction of the stage. He argued that it would have been entirely obvious to Fry whilst on the stage that there would be a drop to the venue floor beyond the edge. He claimed Fry was not looking where he was going and was not acting with due care and attention.

Daniel Tobin, defending Blonstein Events, said Fry was highly experienced in the process of getting on and off a stage. He alleged that Fry passed the stage's exit point and tried to force his way between a small gap at the rear of the stage.

Tom Bourne-Arton, representing Sourced Global Ltd, said Fry did not follow the stage manager's briefing and exit instructions, which he described as short, succinct and easily understandable.

Fry suffered breaks to his leg, hip, pelvis and ribs in the fall. No hearing has yet taken place in the claim.

How it is being reported

• Stephen Fry ‘not looking where he was going’ before horror stage fall, companies saySir Stephen Fry sues CogX Festival firms for up to £100,000 after falling from a stage in September 2023, as lawyers dispute liability.News Shopper · 7 Nov, 08:21
• Stephen Fry ‘not looking where he was going’ before horror stage fall, companies saySir Stephen Fry sues CogX Festival firms for up to £100,000 after falling from a stage in September 2023, as lawyers dispute liability.Croydon Guardian · 7 Nov, 08:21
• Stephen Fry ‘not looking where he was going’ before horror stage fall, companies saySir Stephen Fry sues CogX Festival firms for up to £100,000 after falling from a stage in September 2023, as lawyers dispute liability.Wandsworth Guardian · 7 Nov, 08:21
• Stephen Fry ‘not looking where he was going’ before horror stage fall, companies saySir Stephen Fry sues CogX Festival firms for up to £100,000 after falling from a stage in September 2023, as lawyers dispute liability.This Is Local London · 7 Nov, 08:21

In this story: Stephen Fry · CogX Festival Limited · Blonstein Events · Sourced Global Ltd · CogX festival

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