Singapore Jails Australian for Assaulting Wicked Musical Star
An Australian man has received a nine-day prison sentence in Singapore for assaulting Hollywood star Ariana Grande during a film premiere. Johnson Wen, aged 26, was found guilty of public nuisance related to the incident at the Asia premiere of Wicked: For Good.
Details of the Incident
The altercation occurred last Thursday when Wen jumped over barriers and approached a visibly startled Grande, grabbing her shoulders while jumping in excitement. The event was highlighted on social media, leading to widespread criticism and calls for his arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Wen faced court on Monday, where prosecutors characterized him as a “serial intruder” due to his repeated disruptive behavior at celebrity events. He pleaded guilty to the charges against him.
- Date of Incident: Last Thursday
- Sentence: Nine days in prison
- Charges: Public nuisance
- Potential Penalty: Up to three months imprisonment or a fine up to S$2,000
Post the incident, Wen attempted to jump the barricades a second time, but security personnel swiftly restrained him. The following day, Singapore police arrested him, taking into account his history of causing disturbances at concerts featuring stars like Katy Perry and The Weeknd.
Impact on Ariana Grande
Grande, who has previously spoken about her experience with post-traumatic stress disorder following a tragic event at her concert in Manchester, has not publicly commented on this specific event. However, her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, reflected on their bond in the wake of the incident, hinting at the challenges they have faced together.
Wen expressed remorse in court, stating he would not repeat his actions. Singaporean authorities will continue to monitor such incidents closely, as public safety is a priority.
