What's Inside?
- Australian fan Johnson Wen jailed nine days after jumping a barricade and grabbing Ariana Grande during the “Wicked: For Good” Singapore premiere.
- Judge cites Wen’s history of stage invasions and warns his actions threatened public safety and Singapore’s reputation as a safe country.
- Cynthia Erivo shielded Grande during the incident, later hinting at the stressful week as the film’s global press tour continues.
A high-profile red carpet turned chaotic last week when a man rushed Ariana Grande during the “Wicked: For Good” premiere in Singapore, triggering shock among fans and prompting swift legal action. The incident, captured in multiple viral videos, showed security racing to protect the singer as her co-stars reacted with alarm. Days later, a Singapore court delivered a firm message by sentencing the intruder to nine days in prison. The ruling aimed to reinforce public safety while closing a troubling chapter in the film’s otherwise celebratory global tour.
A Man Who Grabbed Ariana Grande Faces Jail after Red Carpet Chaos
The man, identified as 26-year-old Australian Johnson Wen, was found guilty of being a public nuisance after jumping a barricade at the Asian premiere at Universal Studios Singapore. BBC News reported that Wen rushed at Grande on Thursday, startling the star as Cynthia Erivo stepped between them. Local outlets said Wen pleaded guilty and admitted he had tried to intrude on the red carpet twice that night. When asked about the incident, he told the judge he would “not do it again.”
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Wen’s behavior was not a one-off moment. He is known on social media for pushing past security at celebrity events, and he has previously breached the stage at concerts for Katy Perry, the Weeknd, and the Chainsmokers. Hours after the Singapore incident, police arrested him and charged him with “being a public nuisance,” a charge that carries up to three months in jail or a fine in the country.
In court, Singapore District Judge Christopher Goh took a firm stance on Wen’s repeated conduct. “This act was premeditated,” Goh said while addressing Wen’s long history of intrusions. The judge added that Wen had shown “a pattern of behaviour, which suggests that you will do it again.” Goh did not hold back when highlighting the danger created by such stunts. “You seem to be attention-seeking, thinking only of yourself and not the safety of others when committing these acts,” he told Wen.
Wen appeared via video link, already four days into custody, and offered a brief apology. “I won’t do it again, Your Honour. I am going to stop getting into trouble.” Still, the court stressed the need to “send a signal to like-minded individuals … that we will not condone any act that potentially undermines the reputation of Singapore as a safe country.”
Ariana Grande’s Incident Sparks Concern as the Wicked: For Good Tour Continues
The court also reviewed security footage showing Wen making contact with Grande during his first charge. Erivo pulled him away as guards stepped in, and Wen was removed from the area. Minutes later, he attempted to leap the barricade again before being pinned down by staff.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, Wen later posted on Instagram: “Dear Ariana Grande Thank You for letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You.” He also shared a clip saying he was “free after being arrested.” Fans reacted with outrage, flooding his page with criticism.
Grande has not spoken publicly about the encounter. Her fans, however, remain protective, especially since the singer has previously shared her struggles with trauma and anxiety following the 2017 Manchester attack. Erivo hinted at the stress of recent events during a weekend screening in Los Angeles, saying, “We have come through some shit. I mean, fuck, even this last week, let’s be honest.”
The cast of “Wicked: For Good” is set to wrap its press tour in New York City, where anticipation for the film’s Nov. 21 release remains high. Despite the disruption, the team appears determined to move forward, focus on the film, and leave the Singapore incident behind.
