Man Sentenced for Tossing Chemical at ‘Arsenio’ Show

A man who admitted throwing a mildly explosive chemical onto the stage during a taping of the “Arsenio Hall” show was sentenced Monday to 120 days in jail for the prank.

Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Barry Taylor also ordered Michael Dignan, 20, “not to own, use or possess any explosive chemicals or devices” and to pay restitution to others in the audience who may have been injured or had their clothing damaged by the substance.

Dignan, who admits he is fascinated with “special effects” techniques, attended a taping of the late-night syndicated talk show at Paramount Studios on Feb. 20. As a prank, Dignan tossed a brown fluid toward the stage, a substance later identified as nitrogen triiodide. The liquid made a popping sound as it hit the stage, and at least 10 people in the audience told police they felt a burning sensation on their skin or that their clothes were stained by the liquid.