(ABC News)--U.S. magician Wayne Houchin is recovering in a Dominican Republic
hospital after a TV host lit his head on fire with a flammable liquid.
Houchin
was a guest on the Dominican
Republic's "Approach the Stars" TV
program Nov. 26 when, he says, host Franklin Barazarte unexpectedly poured
flammable cologne on his head.
A
video of the incident shows the magician's head bursting into flames as
Barazarte runs his hands over Houchin's hair.
A
warrant has been issued for Barazarte's arrest.
Houchin
was rushed to the hospital with first- and second-degree burns to his face and
hands. He wrote on Facebook, "This was not a stunt or part of an act. This was
a criminal attack."
In
an e-mail to ABC News, he said: "The doctors here are cautiously optimistic
that I will heal with no scars on my face. Each day I look and feel
better. My hand, however, is in a lot of pain and isn't healing as well
as my face."
Even
world-famous magician David Copperfield has come out in support of Houchin.
"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," Copperfield told ABC News
Sunday night.
Houchin
was performing on the show with a group of magicians. After the performances,
Houchin says, the host told them he wanted to give them a "blessing." Without
warning, Houchin said, the host doused him with "Agua de Florida," a
flammable cologne commonly used in Santeria rituals.
The
video shows Barazarte and others trying to extinguish the flames for a few
seconds as Houchin lay on the floor covering his face.
Someone
in the video can be heard saying, "His face is burnt."
It
is unclear what ignited the cologne. The incident was not broadcast on
Dominican television, according to The Associated Press.
The
show has not responded to ABC News' request for comment.
Houchin
has gained international success as a magician. He has appeared on Discovery's
"Breaking Magic."
Houchin
and his wife earlier this year broke the world magic record for the fastest
upside-down, dual strait-jacket escape.
Copyright 2012 by ABC News
