A former America’s Got Talent semi-finalist who was sensationally suspended from the Magic Castle after almost three decades believes he has been “unfairly targeted” and suggested jealous colleagues could have been behind the decision.
Magician and illusionist Murray SawChuck, 50, was banned from the exclusive members club earlier this month after posting a series of clips exposing famous tricks on his Facebook page.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Murray claimed that the tricks, which included swallowing swords and making flowers disappear, had previously been debunked online, and that if his video had not gone viral he would not have been suspended.
“I think I’m being unfairly attacked in the sense that the things I’m revealing I’ve shown in videos before,” he said. ‘So my question is why now? Now I know why: because the video did very well and got a lot of views.
Magician Murray SawChuck believes he has been “unfairly targeted” following his ban from the Magic Castle
The 50-year-old magician was excluded from the members’ club for revealing how famous magic tricks work in a video that has now gone viral.
The video in question, posted on January 25, has racked up 65 million views and shows him performing a series of tricks before his wife, Dani, exposes him.
“I really think that if the video had only had 100 or 200 views, a lot of people wouldn’t have seen it,” he said.
‘I’ve been teaching tricks for a long time. I think what’s a little unfair is the fact that exposing magic is exposing magic. You’re showing how to do a trick. Good?
‘And (with) magic, you’re supposed to create mystery. You’re not supposed to expose a trick.
‘But if I say, I want to teach a trick. Well, the teaching is accepted. But teaching a trick is still exposing. It’s just a nicer way of saying that you’re exposing a trick to someone who will hopefully want to learn it.
Noting the irony, Murray noted: “Many of these magicians have taught tricks online or in courses to get people involved in magic. “We want to keep this old art alive.”
Murray had been a member of Magic Castle, a Hollywood-based clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts and for magicians and magic enthusiasts, for more than 26 years.
Reflecting on why members reported him, he said: “I think there are a handful of magicians who weren’t happy with what I did online, and unfortunately I think it’s because I’ve been in the business for a long time.”
Murray showed how the classic ‘sword swallowing’ trick works in one of his viral videos
He also told viewers the secret of the never-ending handkerchief trick along with his wife.
Speaking to DailyMail.com, Murray pointed out the hypocrisy of his Magic Castle ban and said people can easily find out how tricks work on the internet.
‘Since I had a show on the Las Vegas Strip, I guess that carries a little more weight too. If it weren’t so well known or the videos didn’t know it, 65 million views…
Upon learning earlier this month that he would be banned from the Magic Castle pending a review, Murray said: “I was really shocked and surprised.
‘I was totally shocked by that. I’ve been teaching magic online since 2015. Probably one in every 10 videos we post is a trick teaching video, because people want to learn and that’s how I learned magic.
‘I had a friend back home in Vancouver, Canada, where I’m originally from, who showed me a couple of tricks and exposed his magic to help me.
‘I loved it and got into it. I guess I’m now one of the best active magicians in the world. And that’s how you get interested, you know?
Murray, who rose to fame after appearing on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent in 2010, compared his videos to people going to Universal Studios and learning how movies are made.
Murray and his wife Dani photographed at his final Murray the Magician show at the Laugh Factory Comedy Club inside the Tropicana Las Vegas on March 27.
The magician rose to fame after appearing on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent in 2010.
“Suddenly there’s interest and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, isn’t this real?’ “Can we make this up and create a great story and be entertained?”
“And that’s where Aaron Spelling and Ron Howards and all these wonderful directors and filmmakers meet.”
Despite breaking Magic Castle’s rule of not exhibiting magic tricks, Murray implored that his videos not disturb anyone’s artwork.
“You’re not discrediting anyone’s artwork because they (magians) will use their own signatures on the things they make, and they’re things you can buy online,” he said.
“And I said, I’m fine with that because I’m not affecting anyone.”
If Magic Castle were to change their decision, Murray would be delighted to return to the club.
“I would appreciate it,” he admitted. ‘Of course, I love the Magic Castle. When I performed there for the first time when I was 24, it was amazing.
“You know, legends have come through the door, all the magicians have been in that building, it’s Carnegie Hall for magicians.”
Showing no signs of discomfort with the club’s decision, Murray added: “I think it’s phenomenal what that place is and I will always defend the Magic Castle.” I love the place. I would always recommend it to people.
“They have a great youth program, you know, for young petitioners to learn and everything, and yeah, it’s a literal place.”