Man who vaulted barricade to reach Ariana Grande charged with public nuisance
Johnson Wen, 26, an Australian national, has been charged with committing a public nuisance after jumping a barrier and reaching Ariana Grande on the yellow carpet at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Sentosa, Singapore.
Wen appeared in district court by video link and told the court he intends to plead guilty to the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment, a fine of S$2,000 (about $1,500), or both. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 17, according to The Straits Times.
Video of the incident shows Wen vaulting a barricade and forcing his way past photographers to reach Grande. Co-star Cynthia Erivo is seen pulling a shocked Grande away while event security intervened. The appearance was part of the film's international promotional tour; Wicked: For Good opens on Nov. 21.
Wen posted footage of the stunt to Instagram with the caption: "Dear Ariana Grande Thank You for letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You ❤️" His profile also labels him a "stage invader" and "troll most hated," and includes clips of other high-profile disruptions.
Wen has a documented pattern of crashing major events: his Instagram shows intrusions at concerts by Katy Perry, The Weeknd and The Chainsmokers, and he previously ran onto the track during the men's 100m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics and stormed the pitch during the 2023 Women's World Cup Final.
Social media responses were swift. Some users demanded deportation or asked why he had not already been jailed. Grande has not publicly commented on the Singapore incident; she has previously spoken about suffering post-traumatic stress after the 2017 bombing at her Manchester concert that killed 22 people.
Marissa Bode, a fellow Wicked cast member, criticized Wen in a TikTok video: "'But they're a fan!' OK. Then they're a fan and a loser. ... You made somebody feel incredibly unsafe, but just — no remorse. You're a bad person."
Sky News reported that Wen posted several Instagram story clips before the premiere, including one where he pointed to a life-size poster of Grande and said: "I feel like I'm in a dream, that's my best friend Ariana Grande." Wen told NBC News he considers himself a "mega fan."
This case highlights ongoing concerns about event security and the risks posed by individuals who seek attention through dangerous interruptions. Authorities in Singapore will address the charge in the next hearing on Nov. 17.
