Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial accident revisited amid renewed interest from biopic release

The accident occurred in 1984 at the Shrine Auditorium in LA during a high-profile Pepsi shoot

Renewed attention has focused on the 1984 Pepsi commercial accident involving Michael Jackson following the release of his new biographical film, according to reports and archival coverage.

The film Michael, which has recorded a $217 million global opening, stars Jaafar Jackson and traces the singer’s career, including the incident that marked a turning point in his life.

The accident occurred on January 27, 1984 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles during a high-profile Pepsi shoot attended by around 3,000 people. 

Actual footage of Michael Jackson’s Pepsi incident and the finished commercial pic.twitter.com/UXx5oXICS1

— Jaia (@Jaiathalien) May 1, 2026

Jackson, then 25 and at the height of his success after Thriller, was performing a staged concert sequence when the incident took place.

During the sixth take, as he performed “Billie Jean” while descending a staircase, a pyrotechnic device detonated prematurely behind him, igniting his hair.

Despite the fire, Jackson continued performing briefly before crew members intervened.

According to a BBC news report from the time, Jackson’s siblings and production staff quickly assisted him, using a jacket to extinguish the flames.

He sustained second- and third-degree burns and significant hair loss.

In the months following the accident, Jackson received outpatient treatment and underwent surgery to address scalp scarring. Reports from attendees suggested some initially believed the incident was part of the performance.

The advertisement was later broadcast despite the incident. Jackson reached an out-of-court settlement with Pepsi worth $1.5 million, approximately $4.9 million today, and donated the amount, according to the film’s depiction.

Subsequent documentaries, including TMZ’s Michael Jackson: 30 Fatal Seconds, have cited claims from family attorney Brian Panish that the accident contributed to long-term health challenges, including dependence on prescription medication.

Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication.