TV host accused of setting guest on fire
Arrest warrant issued in Dominican Republic for Franklin Barazarte
Magician Wayne Houchin is recovering in a hospital after a Dominican Republic TV show host lit his head on fire.
According to a statement posted on Houchin’s Facebook page, Franklin Barazarte, host of “Approach the Stars,” poured a highly flammable liquid called Aqua De Florida on the magician during the show.
“[He] ignited it and intentionally dropped it on my head, setting me on fire,” the U.S. performer wrote. “I was not aware he was going to do this. This was not a stunt or part of an act - this was a criminal attack.”
Houchin added the quick work of his team to extinguish the fire saved him, but not before he was covered in burns. His neck, head, face and right hand were injured in the attack.
“The doctors are cautiously optimistic that I will fully recover with no scars,” Houchin wrote in a later post, adding that he has no bad feelings about the country as a whole. “The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country full of beautiful people. The outrage here and outpouring of support has been incredible.”
Some speculated the host was performing a type of voodoo when he decided to douse Houchin in the liquid, which is used in Santeria rituals.
Houchin posted a video of the attack on his Facebook page earlier today.
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