Sir Stephen Fry fell off stage because he "was not looking where he was going," lawyers have claimed.
The accident happened in September 2023 following a talk at the venue during the CogX festival.
The 69-year-old actor and presenter is suing CogX Festival Limited, Blonstein Events, and Sourced Global Ltd for up to £100,000 in damages.
His lawyers claim he fell two metres onto a concrete floor due to the companies’ "negligence" by failing to ensure that the stage and backstage area were safe, adequately lit and properly protected.
John Brown, representing CogX Festival Limited, said the company had no involvement in the design and construction of the stage and argued that Sir Stephen should have to prove to the court the edge of the stage was not visible to him.
Mr Brown said: "The first defendant contends that it would have been entirely obvious to the claimant whilst on the stage that there would have been some drop to the venue floor beyond the edge of the stage."
He claimed Sir Stephen was not "looking where he was going" and was not acting with "due care and attention."
Daniel Tobin, defending Blonstein Events, said Sir Stephen was "highly experienced in the simple process of getting on and off a stage" and alleged he 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 Sir Stephen did not follow the stage manager’s briefing and exit instructions.
They said: "The briefing was short, succinct and easily understandable."
Sir Stephen suffered breaks to his leg, hip, pelvis, and ribs.
He is seeking damages of up to £100,000.
No hearing has yet taken place in the claim.
Share