Michael Jackson's Hair Catches Fire During Pepsi Commercial

On January 27, 1984, Michael Jackson and his brothers filmed a Pepsi commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The commercial featured a simulated concert before a full house of fans, showcasing Jackson's iconic dance moves and musical talent. However, during the shoot, a pyrotechnics mishap occurred, resulting in Jackson's hair catching fire. This unfortunate incident caused second-degree burns to his scalp, leading to significant physical and emotional distress for the pop icon. Following the accident, Jackson underwent treatment to conceal the scars and also opted for his third rhinoplasty shortly thereafter. In the aftermath, Pepsi settled the matter out of court, providing Jackson with a settlement of $1.5 million. Demonstrating his commitment to helping others, Jackson generously donated the entire settlement amount to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California. In recognition of his contribution, the medical center established the now-closed Michael Jackson Burn Center, which served to aid burn victims and promote recovery. This incident not only highlighted the risks associated with live performances but also underscored Jackson's philanthropic spirit and dedication to supporting those in need.