Los Angeles, CA -- Michael Jackson's 1984 Pepsi ad...a memorable commercial...because of a terrifying accident...an accident many of Jackson's confidants believe began his possibly deadly addiction to drugs.
This never before seen video, released by US Weekly, is giving us a glimpse into the horror Jackson suffered that day. Five perfect takes went smoothly, Jackson descending down the stairs, with a blaze of pyrotechnics behind him. But, during the the 6th take, things go terribly wrong. The fireworks go off too soon, igniting Jackson's hair.
Nearly ten seconds pass before Jackson, who keeps on performing, realizes his head is engulfed in flames.
Daryl Maze, former Michael Jackson backup dancer: "He didn't know that his hair was on fire...but I looked back and I saw it, and that's why I ran back to go to him."
And then, the panic. Jackson spins, actually extinguishing part of the flames. The crew, rushing to help, puts out the rest out with their bare hands. Chaos ensues. Jackson, now on the ground, has suffered second and third degree burns to his face and scalp. You can actually see some of the worst damage as his staff rushes him off the set.
Maze: "That's me right there in the black!"
Lisa Fletcher, reporting: "So, you were one of the people who got to him first?"
Maze: "Yeah."
Backup dancer Daryl Maze ran out from backstage to help Jackson, trying desperately to put out the fire.
Maze: "When this happened, it just changed the whole atmosphere of the Shrine, changed the whole atmosphere, everyone is like, 'oh God.' You dont know if he is going to be ok, or not."
Jackson was far from ok. Burns like his cause extreme damage, scarring, and can even require skin grafts. He took heavy medication, and became addicted...seeking help in rehab, something he explained in a message to his fans.
Michael Jackson: "This medication was initially prescribed to treat excruciating pain I suffered after recent reconstructive surgery on my scalp."
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