Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at Wicked premiere in Singapore charged
Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at Wicked premiere in Singapore charged
A man rushed the red carpet and grabbed Ariana Grande at the Wicked: For Good Singapore premiere; charged with public nuisance and facing a possible fine as security tightens.
A man caused a stir at the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore after sprinting toward Ariana Grande on the red carpet and jumping over a barricade. Video footage shows him moving toward the star as security and co-star Cynthia Erivo quickly stepped in to shield her and escort the intruder away. Grande appeared unharmed, continuing with the event as security teams reassured attendees and kept the focus on the film’s launch.
The person, identified as Johnson Wen, 26, an Australian citizen who has previously posted about invading stages on social media, has been charged in court with public nuisance. He could face a fine of up to S$2,000. Wen is known on Instagram under the handle pyjamamann, where his posts often feature him on or near stages at public events.
The incident drew immediate online backlash, with many commentators decrying the act as a criminal offence and calling for stricter security at high-profile premieres. Red carpet invasions have become rarer as event security has tightened in recent years, but they still spark swift responses when they occur.
Grande and her Wicked: For Good co-stars are nearing the film’s release window, with the sequel due to hit cinemas on 21 November. Industry watchers have noted that early reactions suggest strong considerations for further accolades, while embargoes on reviews have kept comments relatively measured for now. The Singapore premiere, however, is a reminder of the intense spotlight that accompanies major premieres and the ongoing push for safety measures on the red carpet.
Legal proceedings in Wen’s case are pending, with prosecutors expected to outline next steps in court. The outcome could influence how similar incidents are handled in the future, underscoring the balance between fan enthusiasm and public safety at star-studded events.
