The Moment Michael Jackson Was Set on Fire

The 1984 Pepsi Commercial Accident

Could It Have Been Prevented?

How This Could Have Been Prevented:

[{"selector":"#anim-49163a75-08c7-4e70-8ead-55b18d3bae83","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-409be02f-5e87-4d4f-89e0-82137747969a","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(115.18987%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-df85bd72-3b29-46c9-9ec0-ef41ad5a9873","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":400,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d98354c5-cbb3-4ad7-aebc-b586aacdd0a1","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(115.18987%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":400,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8afaf5a6-b09e-4a97-8384-066e4a134306","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":800,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e34cfc44-27ad-41f3-96df-04a47b0f409b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(115.50632%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":800,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-32349051-d9c1-4944-884a-a180fe765b2a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":1000,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2bab2909-e365-4b9d-be8d-14186c1384d7","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(115.50632%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":1000,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more

The Moment Michael Jackson Was Set on Fire

Let's look into the truth behind the 1984 incident. What went wrong that day? Could it have been prevented?

The 1984 Pepsi Commercial Accident

During a live stage shoot at the Shrine Auditorium, multiple pyrotechnic blasts were timed to go off behind Michael Jackson as he danced.

The 1984 Pepsi Commercial Accident

On one take, the fireworks ignited too early—before he moved out of position. Sparks shot directly into his hair, which had been styled with flammable products.

The 1984 Pepsi Commercial Accident

Within seconds, his hair caught fire, and the flames continued burning for several moments before crew members rushed in to put it out.

Could It Have Been Prevented?

Michael Jackson didn’t realize his hair was on fire right away. The flames continued burning for several seconds before anyone stepped in to help.

How This Could Have Been Prevented:

- Better pyrotechnic timing

- Greater distance from explosive effects

- Fire-resistant styling products or protection

- Faster on-set safety response

The Fire Was Just the Beginning

What came next changed his life forever.

The physical pain was only part of the impact—he reportedly endured long-term emotional and psychological effects as well.

Michael Jackson Filed a Legal Claim

He later settled with Pepsi for millions—highlighting corporate responsibility in injury cases.

Burn Injuries Are Life-Changing

Like Jackson’s case, victims often face: - Severe pain - Scarring - Emotional distress

What This Means for You in South Dakota

If someone else’s negligence caused your burn injury, you may have a valid personal injury claim.

Why Legal Help Matters

Burn injury cases are complex—especially when proving: - Pain and suffering - Long-term impact - Medical costs

A South Dakota Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

An experienced attorney can: - Investigate negligence - Negotiate with insurers - Fight for full compensation

Choosing the Right Lawyer

Look for: - Burn injury case experience - Strong track record - Knowledge of South Dakota laws

Don’t Settle Too Quickly

You may recover damages for: - Medical bills - Lost income - Pain & emotional trauma

You Deserve Full Compensation

Get Help After a Burn Injury in South Dakota

Like Michael Jackson’s story shows, one moment can change everything. When negligence causes harm, you deserve accountability, compensation, and support.