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American magician recovering after hair set on fire during T.V. appearance

An American magician is recovering in hospital and police are looking for a television host after the man’s hair was set on fire during a stunt on a TV show in the Dominican Republic.

Wayne Houchin made his guest appearance on Approach the Stars on Nov. 26 when “he says, host Franklin Barazarte unexpectedly poured flammable cologne on his head,” reports ABC News.

Other reports, including one in Las Vegas Weekly, say the flammable liquid used was Aqua de Florida, which is commonly “used by shamans in healing and cleansing rituals.”

The entire incident was caught on camera, in a video which has now been uploaded to Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDL8b9E7LHY&feature=player_embedded

Houchin was burned on his face and hand and he continues to recover in a hospital in the Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, police have issued a warrant for Barazarte’s arrest.

Houchin has been updating fans through his Facebook page. After the attack he posted: “I was not aware [Barazarte] was going to do this. This was not a stunt or part of an act — this was a criminal attack.”

Houchin is continuing to recover, he said on Nov. 29:

Update: I will be extending my stay here in the Dominican Republic in order to undergo continuous treatment for my burns. The doctors are cautiously optimistic that I will fully recover with no scars.

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. The outrage here and outpouring of support has been incredible.

The support, love and well wishes that has been sent my way through social media, blogs, forums, friends and fans has been both humbling and overwhelming.

Thank you.

Magician David Copperfield has also come out in support of Houchin, telling ABC News: “You try to present yourself as a performer that is creating wonder and amazement and occasionally somebody might misunderstand that and might think that you’re trying to foster belief in something supernatural.”

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