Ask Onix
Singapore charges man with public nuisance after Ariana Grande incident at premiere
A 26-year-old Australian man has been charged with public nuisance in Singapore after leaping over a barricade and grabbing pop star Ariana Grande during the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good on Thursday evening.
Johnson Wen, who identifies himself online as a "Troll Most Hated," pushed past photographers and lunged at Grande on the yellow carpet, according to viral footage. Co-star Cynthia Erivo was seen pulling the visibly startled actress away as security intervened.
Court appearance and prior disruptions
Wen appeared unrepresented in a Singapore court on Friday, where he indicated plans to plead guilty, local media reported. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to S$2,000 (US$1,540; £1,170).
The incident marks the latest in a pattern of disruptions by Wen, whose Instagram account features videos of similar stunts, including stage invasions at Katy Perry's Sydney concert in June 2025 and a Chainsmokers performance in December 2024.
Fan outrage and calls for accountability
Social media erupted with condemnation, with fans demanding Wen's arrest and deportation. Many criticized his actions as "re-traumatizing" for Grande, referencing the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during her concert that killed 22 people and left hundreds injured. "Ariana has been through so many scary things... and you thought this was fun?" one Instagram user wrote.
Others questioned security lapses at the event, while some urged platforms to remove Wen's videos. Security personnel eventually escorted him away, and the premiere continued without further interruption.
Premiere details and film context
The incident unfolded at a Singapore mall, where hundreds of fans-some queuing for eight hours-gathered for the Wicked: For Good premiere. The film, set for a 21 November release, is the second installment of a two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, itself a prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Grande, playing the good witch Glinda, wore a champagne-pink sequin dress, while Erivo, as the wicked witch, donned a black embroidered gown. Jeff Goldblum co-stars as the wizard. The first Wicked film topped 2024 UK box offices and won two Oscars for costume and production design.
"Supplies have stabilized, but conservation remains essential."
Singapore Police Force (via local media reports)
Next steps
Authorities have not confirmed whether Wen will face additional charges or deportation. Grande has yet to publicly address the incident.
