Ariana Grande Attacked at Wicked Premiere

A Shocking Incident at the Wicked Premiere

The Asia premiere of the highly anticipated film "Wicked: For Good" in Singapore took a terrifying turn when a man breached security and grabbed pop superstar Ariana Grande. The incident, caught on video and shared widely on social media, has sparked global outrage and serious legal consequences.

According to multiple reports, including CNN and BBC News, a 26-year-old Australian man identified as Johnson Wen jumped over barriers at the event on Thursday, November 14th, 2025. He charged towards a visibly shocked Grande, grabbing her shoulders while jumping up and down.

The chaotic scene unfolded as Grande's co-star and the actress playing her famous "Glinda," Cynthia Erivo, immediately sprang into action to protect her.

Cynthia Erivo's Heroic Intervention

Video footage shows Cynthia Erivo forcibly prying the man off Grande just moments after the attack. Security staff quickly moved in to escort the intruder away. However, the situation escalated when Wen made a second attempt to breach the barricades. This time, security personnel were prepared and pinned him down before he could reach Grande again. Erivo's swift and protective reaction has been widely praised, with many highlighting her bravery in shielding her co-star during a frightening moment.

Legal Repercussions and Public Outcry

The incident sparked immediate outrage in Singapore, with many calling for the arrest and deportation of Wen. Singaporean authorities acted swiftly. The man was arrested the following day and charged with "committing a public nuisance." Wen pleaded guilty to the charge during his trial on Monday, November 17th, 2025.

The court heard that Wen had a history of disrupting concerts and celebrity events, including incidents involving artists like Katy Perry and The Weeknd, as well as invading sporting event pitches. Prosecutors highlighted his pattern of behavior, describing him as a "serial intruder" who publicized his actions online for popularity.

Seeking a deterrent sentence, the prosecution argued for a week's jail time. Ultimately, the Singapore court sentenced Johnson Wen to nine days in prison. Under Singaporean law for public nuisance, he could have faced up to three months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to S$2,000.

Context: Grande's History of Trauma

The incident has resonated deeply with many due to Ariana Grande's well-documented history of trauma. In May 2017, a suicide bomb attack occurred at her concert in Manchester, England, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds. Grande has spoken openly about experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of this horrific event. Many commenters expressed concern that this new attack was "re-traumatizing" for the star. While Grande has not publicly commented on the specific Singapore incident, she continued to appear at events in Los Angeles over the following weekend.

Two days after the attack, Cynthia Erivo subtly referenced the unsettling event while discussing her relationship with Grande. Erivo stated, "We have come through some stuff in our lives, our daily workings... even this last week, let's be honest," hinting at the shared experience of the premiere ordeal.

What Happens Next?

Johnson Wen has served his nine-day jail sentence. His actions have drawn international condemnation and raised questions about security protocols at high-profile celebrity events. The swift legal response in Singapore sends a strong message against such dangerous behavior. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks celebrities face in public and the ongoing impact of past trauma on their personal security and well-being. The focus now shifts to ensuring the safety of all involved in future public appearances and events.