Magician Criss Angel shot down the notion that the mid-air straitjacket stunt that landed him in ER was a publicity stunt, while speaking with ABC News about Friday night’s incident in Las Vegas.
“This is real,” Angel said. “I blur the line between reality and illusion but this demonstration and the risks that are at stake are no joke. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and for me it’s always about pushing the envelope.”
On Friday, Angel attempted an aerial trick at his show at the Luxor in Las Vegas, in which he hung upside down while secured in a straitjacket. As he tried to free himself, Angel lost consciousness. He was rushed to a hospital — abruptly ending the 90-minute show.
Angel told ABC News that Friday’s episode marked the first time he lost consciousness while performing the routine. He blamed it on “not eating properly” and a lack of sleep.
“I’ve only been sleeping about two hours a night the past few days and I don’t think I was hydrated so I attributed my unconsciousness to those elements that can cause this,” Angel said.
Angel returned to the stage on Saturday, performing the same stunt successfully in one of his early Saturday shows. According to Angel, fans in attendance for Friday’s show were issued refunds or given the option to exchange their tickets for another viewing.
This doesn’t mark the first time Angel’s been injured while performing a trick: in 2013, he suffered a shoulder injury while attempting a similar stunt in New York City’s Times Square. He was forced to take a 10-week hiatus from his show “Believe” as a result.