Australian Man Charged After Grabbing Ariana Grande at Singapore Premiere
Published 14 November 2025
Highlights
- Johnson Wen, an Australian citizen, has been charged with public nuisance after grabbing Ariana Grande at a Singapore premiere.
- The incident occurred at the Wicked: For Good premiere, with co-star Cynthia Erivo intervening to protect Grande.
- Wen, known for disrupting celebrity events, faces a potential fine of up to S$2,000 if found guilty.
- The event sparked outrage online, with calls for Wen's arrest and criticism of security measures.
- Grande has not commented on the incident, which took place during a major publicity tour for the film's sequel.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Australian Man Charged After Grabbing Ariana Grande at Singapore Premiere
A Singapore court has charged Johnson Wen, an Australian citizen, with public nuisance following an incident at the premiere of Wicked: For Good. The event, held at Universal Studios Singapore, turned chaotic when Wen jumped a barricade and grabbed actress Ariana Grande on the red carpet. Co-star Cynthia Erivo quickly intervened, pulling Grande away from Wen, who was then escorted off the premises by security.
Incident Details and Public Reaction
The incident, captured in a now-viral video, has drawn widespread condemnation. Wen, who frequently posts videos of himself disrupting celebrity events on Instagram under the handle pyjamamann, faces a potential fine of up to S$2,000 (£1,168) if convicted. Local media reports indicate that Wen intends to plead guilty.
Fans and social media users have expressed outrage, with many calling for Wen's arrest and deportation. Criticism has also been directed at the event's security team for failing to prevent the breach. "There needs to be action taken against him as this is clearly a criminal offence," one Instagram user commented on Wen's video of the incident.
Celebrity Safety and Event Security
Red carpet invasions have become less common in recent years due to heightened security measures. However, Wen's actions have reignited discussions about the safety of celebrities at public events. Past incidents, such as the 2012 flour-bombing of Kim Kardashian and the 2014 red carpet prank on Bradley Cooper, highlight ongoing concerns.
Impact on Grande and the Film's Promotion
The incident occurred during a significant promotional tour for Wicked: For Good, set to release on 21 November. Despite the disruption, the event continued as planned, with Grande and her co-stars completing their appearances. Grande, who has previously spoken about experiencing PTSD following the 2017 Manchester concert attack, has not publicly commented on the recent incident.
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Scenario Analysis
The legal proceedings against Johnson Wen could set a precedent for how similar disruptions are handled in the future, particularly in Singapore. If convicted, the fine may serve as a deterrent to others considering similar actions. The incident also underscores the need for robust security measures at high-profile events, prompting organizers to reassess their protocols.
From a broader perspective, the incident may influence public discourse on celebrity safety and the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content that glorifies disruptive behavior. As the film's release approaches, the focus may shift back to its artistic merits, with early reviews suggesting potential Oscar nominations for its stars.
A Singapore court has charged Johnson Wen, an Australian citizen, with public nuisance following an incident at the premiere of Wicked: For Good. The event, held at Universal Studios Singapore, turned chaotic when Wen jumped a barricade and grabbed actress Ariana Grande on the red carpet. Co-star Cynthia Erivo quickly intervened, pulling Grande away from Wen, who was then escorted off the premises by security.
Incident Details and Public Reaction
The incident, captured in a now-viral video, has drawn widespread condemnation. Wen, who frequently posts videos of himself disrupting celebrity events on Instagram under the handle pyjamamann, faces a potential fine of up to S$2,000 (£1,168) if convicted. Local media reports indicate that Wen intends to plead guilty.
Fans and social media users have expressed outrage, with many calling for Wen's arrest and deportation. Criticism has also been directed at the event's security team for failing to prevent the breach. "There needs to be action taken against him as this is clearly a criminal offence," one Instagram user commented on Wen's video of the incident.
Celebrity Safety and Event Security
Red carpet invasions have become less common in recent years due to heightened security measures. However, Wen's actions have reignited discussions about the safety of celebrities at public events. Past incidents, such as the 2012 flour-bombing of Kim Kardashian and the 2014 red carpet prank on Bradley Cooper, highlight ongoing concerns.
Impact on Grande and the Film's Promotion
The incident occurred during a significant promotional tour for Wicked: For Good, set to release on 21 November. Despite the disruption, the event continued as planned, with Grande and her co-stars completing their appearances. Grande, who has previously spoken about experiencing PTSD following the 2017 Manchester concert attack, has not publicly commented on the recent incident.
What this might mean
The legal proceedings against Johnson Wen could set a precedent for how similar disruptions are handled in the future, particularly in Singapore. If convicted, the fine may serve as a deterrent to others considering similar actions. The incident also underscores the need for robust security measures at high-profile events, prompting organizers to reassess their protocols.
From a broader perspective, the incident may influence public discourse on celebrity safety and the responsibilities of social media platforms in moderating content that glorifies disruptive behavior. As the film's release approaches, the focus may shift back to its artistic merits, with early reviews suggesting potential Oscar nominations for its stars.
