Man Charged After Red Carpet Incident at ’Wicked: For Good’ Premiere in Singapore
SINGAPORE – A 26-year-old Australian citizen has been charged with a public nuisance offence following an incident at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good on Thursday night, where he approached and briefly grabbed Ariana Grande on the red carpet.
Johnson Wen reportedly jumped over a barricade at Global Studios Singapore and rushed towards Grande before being intervened upon by her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, and later removed by security.
Local media reports indicate Wen intends to plead guilty and faces a potential fine of up to S$2,000 (approximately £1,168).
Wen is known online as “pyjamamann” on Instagram, where he documents a pattern of approaching performers on stage at concerts, including previous incidents involving Katy Perry and The Weeknd.The footage of his approach to Grande sparked significant online criticism, with many labeling his actions a criminal offense.
The incident occurred as Grande and Erivo near the end of a global publicity tour for the film, set for release on November 21st. Early reviews, which become public on Tuesday, suggest the pair are likely contenders for repeat Oscar nominations.
red carpet security has been heightened in recent years, though incidents have occurred previously. In 2007, podcaster Cielke Sijben handcuffed herself to Hugh Grant at a film premiere, requiring firefighters to separate them. Other past incidents include a Ukrainian prankster accosting Bradley Cooper in 2014 and Will Smith receiving an unwanted kiss at a 2012 premiere, as well as Kim Kardashian being flour-bombed by a Peta activist at a 2012 event.
