Talk Show Host Purposely Lights Magician Guest's Head on Fire -- And It Wasn't a Magic Trick

(YouTube)

A Dominican talk show host lit Las Vegas magician Wayne Houchin's head on fire during the taping of a show -- that much we know. What we don't know is exactly why "Approach the Stars" host Franklin Barazarte decided to set his guest's hair ablaze.

Meanwhile, Houchin is describing the incident as a "criminal attack" that caught him completely off guard. The magician suffered severe burns on his head, face and neck and is still in a great deal of pain.

"I was not aware he was going to do this. This was not a stunt or part of an act - this was a criminal attack," Houchin wrote on his Facebook page. "I am in pain, but am recovering. I will update you on the situation when I can."

He also thanked the producers of "Curiosidades," the show he was promoting on "Approach the Stars," for acting quickly and putting him out.

(YouTube)

Wayne Houchin (YouTube)

The wild incident was captured on video (Warning! Strong language):

Some have claimed Barazarte drenched Houchin in an extremely flammable liquid used by Caribbean shamans "in healing and cleansing rituals," according to Gawker.

Also included on Houchin's Facebook page is a link to a statement put out by the producers of "Curiosidades" who accuse Barazarte of trying to "bless" away Houchin's evil spirits in some sort of exorcism-style ritual.

Houchin is a co-host on Discovery Channel's "Breaking Magic." It is unclear whether Barazarte will be criminally charged for the bizarre attack.

(H/T: Gawker)