Singapore police charge man who lunged at Ariana Grande

International

A WICKEDLY bold stunt went wrong at Singapore’s “Wicked: For Good” premiere when a man charged at Ariana Grande, landing himself in court on a public-nuisance charge.

The 26-year-old Australian, Johnson Wen, vaulted over a barricade and lunged at Grande as she walked the yellow carpet, prompting co-star Cynthia Erivo to intervene while security escorted him away.

Video of the incident quickly went viral, showing Wen

pushing past photographers as the cast made its way through a crowd of fans.

Wen later posted on Instagram that he was “free after being arrested.”

Local media reported he appeared in court unrepresented on Friday and intends to plead guilty. If convicted, he could face a fine of up to S$2,000 (US$1,540; £1,170).

This is not Wen’s first high-profile disruption. His social media includes clips of him intruding at celebrity events, such as climbing onstage during Katy Perry’s Sydney concert in June and interrupting a performance by The Chainsmokers last December. He describes himself as a “Troll Most Hated.”

The incident sparked outrage online, with social media users calling for accountability. Some questioned how Wen had not already faced jail time, while others noted that his actions could re-traumatize Grande, who has spoken about post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 Manchester bombing at her concert, which killed 22 people and injured hundreds.

Criticism also extended to event security, with some arguing that more precautions should have been in place, and others calling on social media platforms to remove Wen’s videos.

Footage shows Grande visibly shocked as she is grabbed, while Erivo and Michelle Yeoh comfort her. Security quickly removed Wen, and the premiere continued without further incident. Grande has not commented publicly.

Hundreds of fans had gathered at the Singapore mall for the premiere, some waiting up to eight hours. Grande, who plays Glinda, wore a champagne-pink sequin dress, while Erivo, portraying the Wicked Witch, donned a black, rose-embroidered gown. They were joined by fellow cast members.(MyTVCebu)