Magician sues TV host after being set on fire

A US magician has said he is pursuing legal action after the host of a TV show in the Dominican Republic set him on fire in an apparent stunt.

Wayne Houchin, 29, is receiving treatment for burns on his face, scalp and hands that occurred when the guest host of the Closer to the Stars programme abruptly threw flaming liquid at him during a 26 November recording of the show.

“I am still in a lot of pain but I am recovering,” the magician said yesterday.

He has hired lawyers to begin preparing a complaint against host Franklin Barazarte.

Mr Houchin said: “The attack was intentional. The host didn’t trip and accidentally spill it on me. He intended to pour flaming liquid on me.”

Mr Houchin expected to be interviewed and perform magic. But the host announced that he wanted to give Houchin a “blessing” – then doused him in flaming Agua de Florida, a cologne used in Santeria rituals.