Security Concerns Arise After Disturbance at Wicked Premiere in Singapore

Fri Nov 14 2025 13:35:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The recent incident involving a man grabbing Ariana Grande at the premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' raises questions about security at public events and the impact on artists.

A man who jumped a barricade and grabbed actress Ariana Grande during the 'Wicked: For Good' premiere in Singapore has been charged with public nuisance. The incident has sparked outrage and discussions on security measures at public gatherings, especially concerning the well-being of artists like Grande, who has previously faced traumatic experiences.

A man who jumped over a barricade and grabbed actress Ariana Grande at a Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore has been charged with being a public nuisance.

A now viral video shows the Australian man, Johnson Wen, pushing past photographers and charging at Grande while the cast made its way down a yellow carpet surrounded by fans. Co-star Cynthia Erivo could be seen wrestling the stunned actress away from Mr. Wen.

The 26-year-old had posted on Instagram late on Thursday that he was free after being arrested. However, on Friday afternoon, he was charged with being a public nuisance by a Singapore court. The incident caused massive outrage in the city-state.

Local media reports say Mr. Wen, who was unrepresented, intends to plead guilty. This is not the first time Mr. Wen, who describes himself as a Troll Most Hated, has invaded a concert or event. His Instagram feed includes clips of him disrupting other celebrity events, including jumping on stage at Katy Perry's Sydney concert in June this year. He did the same at a concert by The Chainsmokers last December.

If found guilty, he may be fined up to S$2000 ($1540; £1170). Fans had earlier called for him to be arrested and deported.

Several accused Mr. Wen of re-traumatizing Grande, who has spoken of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder after a suicide bomb attack at the end of her May 2017 concert in Manchester, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds.

In clips circulating online, Grande appeared shocked when she was grabbed by the intruder. Her co-stars Michelle Yeoh and Erivo can be seen comforting her while Mr. Wen was escorted away by security.

Hundreds of fans had gathered in a sea of green and pink at the Wicked: For Good Asia-Pacific premiere in a Singapore mall, including some who had stood in line for as long as eight hours before it began. Grande, who plays the good witch Glinda, was decked out in a champagne pink sequin dress at the premiere.

The incident raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of security measures at public events and highlights the necessity for stricter guidelines to protect celebrities and attendees alike during such high-profile gatherings.