Fan Ambushes Ariana Grande at Wicked Event; Cynthia Erivo Intervenes
A frightening incident occurred during the Singapore premiere of the film *Wicked: For Good* on November 13. Ariana Grande was ambushed by a man who jumped over a barricade and put his arm around her. In a quick response, her co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened to protect Grande. Security personnel soon removed the individual from the scene.
Details of the Incident
Video clips shared on social media depict the chaotic moments on the yellow carpet. Erivo can be seen stepping in to separate the man from Grande, who appeared visibly shaken after the encounter. Fellow actor Michelle Yeoh also provided comfort to Grande following the event.
Legal Repercussions
The man involved, identified as Johnson Wen, is a social media personality known as Pyjama Man. He has been charged by a Singapore court for being a public nuisance. If convicted, Wen faces a fine of up to SGD 2,000 (approximately CAD 2,160).
Background on the Offender
- Wen is notorious for crashing public events.
- He has previously gained attention for similar actions with celebrities like Katy Perry and The Weeknd.
Public Response and Backlash
In the aftermath of the incident, Wen posted a video on Instagram, thanking Grande for the encounter. However, the post drew significant backlash. Many users criticized Wen for his actions, labeling them as harassment.
- Comments on the post included:
- “Do you think this is okay? This is sick!”
- “After all the trauma Ari has been through, this is beyond disrespectful.”
Upcoming Events
The promotional tour for *Wicked: For Good* is set to continue, with a scheduled event in New York on November 17. The film, releasing in theaters on November 21, continues the narrative established in 2024’s *Wicked*. It explores the complex friendship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
