Michael Jackson injured in 1984 Pepsi commercial accident

On January 27, 1984, Michael Jackson sustained severe injuries during the filming of a Pepsi commercial in Los Angeles. While performing in front of approximately 3,000 people, prematurely activated pyrotechnics ignited the singer's hair.

Footage of the incident shows that Jackson initially continued his choreography, unaware that his hair was on fire. Even his brother, Jermaine Jackson, who was playing guitar at the time, did not immediately notice the flames. Once the singer realized what was happening, he attempted to protect his head with his hands before crew members rushed to extinguish the fire.

Jackson was hospitalized with second and third-degree burns to his scalp and face, requiring long-term medical treatment. Following the accident, Pepsi reportedly paid approximately $1.5 million in damages, which Jackson later donated to a burn center bearing his name. In his autobiography, ‘Moonwalk’, Jackson described the sensation as feeling like ‘bombs exploded next to my head’.