Fan faces charges after red carpet security breach at Wicked premiere
UPDATE 11/14/2025 11:36 a.m. ET: Legal action has been initiated against the individual who confronted Ariana Grande during her appearance on the Wicked: For Good red carpet in Singapore.
Johnson Wen, an Australian national whose actions — vaulting a security barrier and accosting Grande, 32, at the film's premiere on Thursday, November 13 — were captured in widely circulated video footage, now faces a public nuisance charge in Singapore, as reported by BBC News. A conviction could result in a penalty of up to S$2000 ($1,540).
Sources from local media indicate that Wen, 26, plans to admit culpability.
Operating under the social media moniker Pyjama Man, Wen communicated through his Instagram Story on Thursday, confirming his release following his detainment, as per Variety's report.
Wen has a documented history of sharing social media content depicting his close proximity to notable figures at various public gatherings. His past exploits include unauthorized stage appearances at performances by Katy Perry, The Weeknd, and The Chainsmokers.
The initial report follows:
Ariana Grande encountered an alarming moment while gracing the Wicked: For Good red carpet event in Singapore.
Widely disseminated video clips depicted Grande proceeding with her co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh when an overly enthusiastic admirer charged towards the ensemble. The individual seized Grande, enveloping the singer in an embrace and ecstatically bouncing.
Erivo, 38, promptly intervened with security personnel to disentangle the admirer from Grande, who appeared visibly disturbed by the confrontation. Both Erivo and Yeoh, 63, were observed providing solace to Grande in the aftermath, seemingly inquiring about her well-being.
Further video snippets from the same event captured Erivo admonishing the fan with a forceful, “Get off her.” Erivo and Yeoh offered Grande their hands as they resumed their progression along the red carpet subsequent to the unsettling occurrence.
Grande has, as of yet, refrained from issuing a public statement regarding the incident. Us Weekly has contacted her representatives for an official response.
Ariana Grande Playfully Remarks on Her and Cynthia Erivo's 'Insufferable' Demeanor During Press Engagements
Grande, Erivo, and Yeoh have embarked on a global promotional tour for Wicked: For Good. The cinematic release is slated for Friday, November 21.
“The opportunity to perform alongside this individual, to occupy the same creative space, and to collaborate as scene partners has been the paramount honor of my professional career,” Grande expressed concerning Erivo during a Wednesday, November 12 interview with Today. “To merely sing with her, who is unequivocally the world’s most extraordinary vocalist, has left me perpetually enriched.”
Erivo observed that her dynamic with Grande mirrors “opposite sides of the same coin” — akin to their portrayals of Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked. The pair displayed profound emotion throughout their discussion on Today, particularly when reflecting on their bond.
“Consequently, I believe we each possess qualities that the other can cherish and recognize within themselves,” Erivo further articulated. “Our connection is simply profoundly authentic.”
During the same interview, Grande recounted a specific vocal performance on set, remembering Erivo’s enthusiastic commendation and audible expressions of approval while she sang.
“She appreciated a particular vocal nuance in my performance, and as she was singing, she exclaimed, ‘Work.’ I thought to myself, ‘This truly is the pinnacle of my existence,’” Grande shared. “It was genuinely amusing. A memorable moment, indeed.”
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Erivo confessed her inability to suppress her reactions.
“I find myself unable to restrain my impulses,” Erivo responded. “When I encounter something that resonates deeply with me, particularly a distinct excellence in her performance, I am compelled to vocalize my appreciation.”
The actresses have openly celebrated their profound camaraderie with their admirers, even inspiring a viral meme (“holding space,” as some might recall?) during the initial Wicked promotional circuit last year.
“My intention was purely to console Cynthia because she was experiencing significant emotion, and as we are inclined towards physical affection — I gently grasped her finger,” Grande explained on The Graham Norton Show in January, describing the memorable interaction. “I was at a loss for how else to express myself. … It was simply an surge of energy I didn't know how to channel, manifesting in that particular gesture out of genuine good intention and a desire to be affectionate and supportive.”
Grande concluded, “As for why that specific action? I haven’t the slightest idea.”
