Teen Hospitalized After Trying to Re-create Jackass Stunt

ByABC News
January 31, 2001, 2:32 PM

January 30 -- Despite a "don't try this at home" disclaimer preceding episodes of MTV's Jackass, a Connecticut teen had himself set on fire in an attempt to re-create a stunt on the show.

Jason Lind, 13, was hospitalized Friday in critical condition after he poured gasoline on his legs and had a friend light him on fire, according to The Associated Press.

He was copying the Jackass episode in which masochistic daredevil Johnny Knoxville dresses up in flame-retardant protective gear, attaches raw steaks to his body, and then lies across a barbecue, turning himself into a human weenie roast.

The friend, who at 14 was older but no wiser, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment, the AP reports. His name has not been released to the media because he is a juvenile.

Lind's father was quick to blame the network, telling WFSB-TV on Monday, "I don't want another parent to go through what I went through when you see your son laying on an emergency room table with his skin falling off, and he's apologizing to you."

Senator Joe Lieberman, who has been a vocal critic of violence in the media, added his two cents to the debate, saying yesterday, "MTV is an enormously influential force in the world our children inhabit, and with that power and the right to exercise it comes a certain level of responsibility." He added that he "expect[s] more" from the network's owners.

In response, MTV spokeswoman Tina Exarhos pointed out that the show includes the following written and verbal disclaimers: "The following show features stunts performed by professionals and/or total idiots under very strict control neither you or anyone else [should] attempt to re-create or perform anything you have seen."

MTV also issued a statement that read, "Our thoughts are with the young man and his family and we wish him a full and speedy recovery."

Lind remained hospitalized Monday in critical condition in the burn unit of Shriner's Hospital for Children in Boston.