TV host lights magician's head on fire

Started by NewsCaster, Dec 04, 2012, 06:30 AM

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Dec 04, 2012, 06:30 AM
By Associated Press

Follow @TODAY_Clicker An American magician was recuperating Sunday in the Dominican Republic after a  local television show host lit his head on fire with a flammable cologne.  Chico, California-native Wayne Houchin said he is receiving treatment  for burns that doctors are cautiously optimistic will not result in scars. A  Sunday statement on his Facebook page says he is "resting, healing & working  through the legal process" in the Caribbean nation, where he had been performing  with a group of fellow magicians.

During a Nov. 26 appearance on the  Dominican Republic's "Closer To The Stars" TV program, guest host Franklin  Barazarte abruptly doused the U.S. magician's head with "Agua de Florida," a  flammable cologne commonly used in Santeria rituals. A video of the incident  shows the magician's head bursting into flames as Barazarte runs his hands over  Houchin's hair.

It is unclear why the TV host doused his head in the  liquid and what ignited it. The program has not commented on the incident.  

The video also shows Houchin, Barazarte and others struggling to  extinguish the flames for several seconds. The incident was not broadcast on  Dominican television but a video of it has appeared on the Internet.  

Houchin said Barazarte's actions were completely unexpected and he  considers it a criminal attack. He said "the outrage here and outpouring  of support has been incredible."

It was not immediately clear if he has  retained a lawyer in the Dominican Republic.

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