An Australian man has been deported after he rushed onto the red carpet during the Singapore premiere of “Wicked: For Good” and confronted film star Ariana Grande. The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, at Universal Studios Singapore, where the highly anticipated film was being showcased.
Johnson Wen, aged 26, jumped over a barricade and approached Grande, putting his arm around her in a moment that quickly escalated. Footage from the event captured Cynthia Erivo, Grande’s co-star, intervening by stepping between the two and pushing Wen away. Security personnel swiftly removed Wen from the red carpet and returned him to the other side of the barricade.
Wen was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with “being a public nuisance.” Following a court appearance, he received a sentence of nine days in jail, a punishment deemed lenient compared to the maximum penalties of three months in jail or a fine of $1,500. The Singapore Immigration Authority has confirmed that Wen has been barred from re-entering the country.
In court, District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as “attention seeking,” noting a troubling pattern of behavior that suggested he may repeat such actions. Wen has previously disrupted other major events, raising concerns about his conduct. During the proceedings, he expressed regret for his actions, admitting he was “wrong” to believe there would be no consequences.
After his release from jail, Wen posted a video on Instagram thanking Grande for “letting (him) jump on the Yellow Carpet” with her, indicating a lack of understanding of the seriousness of the situation.
The incident has sparked discussions about safety at public events, especially those involving high-profile celebrities. Grande and Erivo have shown a strong bond throughout the promotional tour for “Wicked: For Good,” having pledged to support each other as they navigated the challenges of their roles in the film.
In a previous interview with CBS Mornings in December 2024, Erivo revealed their commitment to each other. “Before we started shooting, both of us had a conversation about making sure that we would take care of each other,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of mutual support in their demanding roles.
As the film continues its release, the spotlight on celebrity safety remains a pressing issue, with fans and industry professionals alike advocating for stronger measures to protect public figures during high-profile events.
