Michael Jackson suffered burns filming an ad, then donated $1.5M to help victims
In 1984, Michael Jackson suffered severe scalp burns during the filming of a Pepsi commercial when pyrotechnics ignited his hair. Following the accident, Jackson donated his $1.5 million settlement to support burn care and reconstructive surgery research.
Why it matters
The incident is a notable piece of pop culture history that highlights the risks of production pyrotechnics and Jackson's subsequent philanthropic response.
Michael Jackson suffered severe scalp burns on January 27, 1984, when his hair caught fire while he was filming a Pepsi commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The shoot featured a staged musical performance complete with pyrotechnics, but sparks ignited his hair as he descended a staircase. The accident left the pop star with second-degree burns to his scalp and a small area of third-degree burns, requiring medical treatment and a lengthy recovery. Jackson was taken to Brotman Memorial Hospital in Culver City, California, where he received treatment in the burn unit.
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