A moment of chaos unfolded at the Singapore premiere of *Wicked*, as an unexpected intruder rushed towards Ariana Grande on the yellow carpet. The incident, captured on video, sent shockwaves through the crowd and quickly went viral, highlighting a terrifying breach of security.
Before security could fully react, Cynthia Erivo instinctively moved to shield her friend and co-star. Her protective response – forcefully pushing the individual away – was immediate and decisive, a testament to the deep bond she shares with Grande. The scene unfolded with alarming speed, leaving onlookers stunned.
The man, identified as 26-year-old Australian national Johnson Wen, was swiftly apprehended and charged with being a public nuisance. He later pleaded guilty, admitting to intentionally disrupting the event and causing alarm.
Wen’s actions resulted in a short jail sentence of nine days. However, the consequences didn’t end there. Authorities have now deported Wen from Singapore and permanently barred him from re-entry, sending a clear message about the severity of his actions.
The incident occurred as Grande, Erivo, and Michelle Yeoh were navigating a controlled fan area, when Wen unexpectedly leapt over the barricade and made contact with Grande. Video footage reveals the singer visibly shaken, while Erivo’s intervention was swift and unwavering.
Wen, known online as “Pyjama Man,” later brazenly posted about the incident on social media, expressing gratitude to Grande for allowing him to “jump on the yellow carpet.” This post ignited further outrage and condemnation from fans worldwide.
This wasn’t Wen’s first attempt to gain notoriety through disruptive behavior. His social media accounts reveal a pattern of similar stunts, including incidents at concerts by Katy Perry and The Chainsmokers, suggesting a history of attention-seeking behavior.
The premiere continued despite the disruption, with Grande and Erivo visibly regaining their composure, supported by each other and their team. The incident, however, served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures and the importance of robust security measures.
Social media erupted with praise for Erivo’s quick thinking and unwavering loyalty. Many users highlighted her decisive action, emphasizing that she responded with more urgency and effectiveness than the security personnel present. The moment underscored the powerful connection between the two actresses.
The swift deportation of Wen and the ban from Singapore signal a firm stance against such disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior, ensuring the safety and security of future events and those who attend them.
