Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Never again, says Blaine as end of his stunt draws nigh

Danielle Demetriou
Tuesday 14 October 2003 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

David Blaine admitted yesterday that his latest stunt, suspended in a plastic box for 44 days near Tower Bridge, is the hardest he has attempted.

As he looked forward to the end of his ordeal - during which he has eaten no food, confining himself to water only - the illusionist said: "I have never decided to do anything for this length of time. Here, basically, I am a human being on display to all kinds at all times."

He told CNN: "It's been really cold. It has been down to 40F, and when you are starving your body only produces one-third of its heat.

"It's really hard to sit, and all of my muscles are really weak. This whole thing has been so much more difficult than anything else I have ever done ... and I don't think I can do anything like this again."

The 30-year-old American, whose previous "tricks" included spending three days sealed in a block of ice, denied his latest London escapade was an illusion.

He said: "No, I am really here doing what I said I was going to do."

Blaine also admitted being surprised by the reactions of some members of the public who have embraced the new national pastime of "Blaine-baiting".

Missiles have been thrown at him and drums beaten to keep him awake and he said the backlash was a "little scar" at the start, although he swiftly became used to it because "it's to be expected".

The best aspects of being confined in a clear box were "the faces, the moon, the sun, the rainbows, the clouds".

He added: "I am just climbing a mountain and trying to get to the top. God willing, I sure will."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in