An American magician is recovering after being set on fire by a Dominican TV show’s guest host last week.
During a November 26 taping of the Dominican Republic’s Approach the Stars, an astrology and variety show, magician Wayne Houchin, his wife, and other magicians believed they would be performing tricks for a national television spot as part of the Curiosities 2012 tour.
Before any tricks could be performed however, the show’s guest host, Franklin Barazarte, said he wanted to perform a blessing on the magician. Though the stunt was not aired, the incident was recorded on an iPhone by another magician.
Barazarte cups his hands and has Agua de Florida, a flammable cologne often used in Santeria rituals, poured into them. He then asks for a lighter, and as Houchin’s wife and fellow magician BJ Bueno stand at his side, Barazarte lights the liquid on fire then quickly throws it onto Houchin’s face and atop his head.
The video clearly shows the California magician on fire as he stumbles about while his wife calls for help. Barazarte continues to tap Houchin’s burning head until the magician falls to the floor and a towel is brought in to help extinguish the flames. As he sits up, Houchin’s face is visible burnt, but he manages to calmly say, “I need to go to a hospital.”
The 29-year-old has told reporters he is currently undergoing treatment for the burns and has contacted lawyers who will be filing a complaint against Barazarte.
‘The attack was intentional,”Houchin told the Associated Press. ‘The host didn’t trip and accidentally spill it on me. He intended to pour flaming liquid on me.
‘The host’s intentions will play a role in the severity of his punishment, but that’s for a court of law to determine and decide.’
Houchin recently finished a hosting gig of his own on the Discovery Channel’s Breaking Magic.
