An Australian man, identified as Johnson Wen, has been deported following an incident at the Singapore premiere of “Wicked: For Good”. During the event at Universal Studios on March 15, 2024, Wen jumped a barricade and approached star Ariana Grande, putting his arm around her. The situation escalated quickly, with Grande’s co-star, Cynthia Erivo, intervening to protect her.
Video footage of the incident captured Erivo rushing to Grande’s side, pushing Wen away before security personnel swiftly apprehended him. Shortly after the incident, Wen was arrested and charged with “being a public nuisance.” He has since completed a nine-day jail sentence and has been barred from re-entering Singapore, according to a statement from the city-state’s immigration authority.
In his court appearance, Wen acknowledged his actions, stating he was “wrong” to believe there would be no consequences. He expressed regret and promised not to repeat the behaviour. Singapore District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as “attention-seeking,” noting a pattern of disruptive behaviour at other events. The judge emphasized that such actions must be addressed firmly, although Wen’s sentence was significantly less than the maximum penalty of three months in jail and a fine of $1,500.
Following the incident, Wen posted a video on Instagram thanking Grande for the opportunity to be on the “Yellow Carpet” with her. His actions have drawn attention to the potential risks faced by public figures during high-profile events, as they navigate the excitement and unpredictability of fan interactions.
The premiere of “Wicked: For Good” marked a significant moment in Grande’s career, as she and Erivo have been closely associated throughout the film’s promotional tour. In a previous interview with CBS Mornings in December 2024, Erivo shared that both stars had made a pact to support each other during the production, recognizing the immense responsibility of their roles.
The incident at the premiere highlights the challenges that come with fame, as stars like Grande and Erivo must balance public engagement with personal safety. The film was released in the United States shortly after the Singapore premiere, and both actors continue to attract attention as they promote their work in the entertainment industry.
