thedailywhat:

Never Before Seen Footage of the Day: Terrifying behind-the-scenes video from the infamous 1984 Pepsi commercial shoot, during which Michael Jackson’s hair caught on fire, was released today by Us Magazine.

Us explains the significance of this tragic accident:

To relieve the second and third-degree burns on his scalp and body (and later to help him tolerate multiple surgeries on the scorched spot on his head), Jackson was prescribed several medications — which kicked off his addiction to painkillers and obsession with plastic surgery, multiple sources tell Us.