While some Phenomenon contestants take the criticisms of renowned magician and judge Criss Angel as constructive, others deem it as offensive. On last Wednesday night's live taping of the NBC competitive reality series, altercation occurred as contestant Jim Callahan claimed to have been possessed by the spirit of author Raymond Hill.

Angel, who fronts Phenomenon alongside legendary mentalist Uri Geller, was quite doubtful of Callahan's claim and made some comments to the paranormalist contestant who hails from Pittsburgh. While Geller was convinced by Callahan's demonstration, Angel was anxious for his turn to weigh in.

“I just think it's comical quite frankly,” Angel said just before he pulled an envelope from his pocket to challenge not only Callahan's abilities but also those of his fellow judge Geller.

“I will give you a million dollars of my personal money right now if either one of you can tell me specific details of what's in here right now,” Angel insisted.

Callahan didn't take Angel's criticism well and even lashed back at him.  According to a witness on the scene, Callahan took offense and “went after” the Angel.

“OK, man, I'll tell you what I will tell you.  I find you an ideological bigot,” Callahan responded as he made his way towards Angel.

“Tell me what's in the envelope,” Angel kept repeating.

Angel then got out of his seat to meet Callahan, as Geller and host Tim Vincent came between the two men to separate them.

“It's a live show.  This is not planned.  We'll see you after the commercial break,” Vincent told the audience as the show cut to commercial with Vincent pulling Callahan away from Angel.

After the clash, Angel explained his views, which is now posted on Phenomenon's official website.

“I'm not here for the sake of ripping him.  I just have a big problem with people that go out there and claim to have some ability that's beyond trickery.  I've done 900 demonstrations and I've never claimed to have supernatural or psychic abilities,” Angel said.

“I've been hired by the producers of the show to give my honest assessment based on my knowledge in the arts and when I see somebody that's using trickery…and trying to pass it off as some psychic ability…a medium…talking to the dead, that's a bunch of bull sh*t and I'm not gonna stand for that,” he added.



-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: NBC
(Image courtesy of NBC)