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Michael Jackson's hair catches fire in Pepsi advert
Ben Bailey16.07.09
Us Weekly magazine has obtained a video it says shows never-before-seen footage of Michael Jackson's hair catching fire during filming of his 1984 Pepsi commercial.
Jackson suffered third degree burns after a pyrotechnics mishap caused his hair and scalp to be set alight. Still photos of the accident have been seen before, but the new video on Us Weekly's Web site shows the moment Jackson's hair caught on fire and the top of his head became engulfed in flames.
In the video Jackson doesn't realise his hair was on fire, but continues dancing with flames on his head.
People on the set tackle him to extinguish the fire, and his brother Jermaine Jackson, playing the guitar in front of him and oblivious to the commotion, turns around. When Michael Jackson emerges from the pile of people trying to help him, the top of his head is bald.
The accident, witnessed by thousands of stunned fans at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, came at the height of Jackson's fame, about a year after the release of his best-selling "Thriller" album. It marked what would be the beginning of serious, lifelong pain for Jackson, who had been treated for painkiller addiction and has been described by relatives and friends as being hooked on pain medication at the time of his death last month at age 50.
Jackson, who was photographed in an ambulance with a bandage on his head and his trademark sequined white glove on his right hand, required several surgeries and needed skin grafts to treat the injury.
In his autobiography, "Moonwalk," he described the cause of the accident as "stupidity, pure and simple."
As he described the accident, he wrote: "... bombs went off on either side of my head, and the sparks set my hair on fire. I was dancing down this ramp and turning around, spinning, not knowing I was on fire. Suddenly I felt my hands reflexively go to my head in an attempt to smother the flames."
As a result of the accident, Pepsi gave Jackson $1.5 million, which he donated to a burn centre named after him.
A representative for Us Weekly had no immediate comment on where the video came from.
Reader views (4)
i would say that was the beginning of his predicament. it is pity that happened to him. loved him so much may his soul rest in peace
- Alarape Emmanuel, abuja nigeria
I find it very hard to believe that this accident was the start of he's so called 'decent into painkillers', as I specifically remember at the time, the news reels/reports stating that he REFUSED any painkillers as he was a Jehovah's Witness!! Isn't it funny how 'news' can actually 'Change' it's FACTS over time/years, eh?!!
- Martin Macdonald, London, England.
I guess the connection between Jackson's descent from normalcy to "drug addiction" and the Pepsi advert saga is apt.The payment of a paltry 1.5 million dollars as damages for this incident is sadder still but I reckon Bob Cheam should have been more civil by acknowledging the huge contributions of Michael to the world's music industry.Born in the Civil Rights era and coming from a poor background, Michael exemplifies the fulfillment of the American dream. No matter what foes may say, he remains the greatest music legend that ever lived. Rest in Peace Michael.
- Bolaji Okusaga, Lagos - Nigeria
Unfortunately this incident would appear to have been a major turning point in his mental stability, changing a very confused and gullible young man into a paranoid fantasist.
- Bob, Cheam
