The man who rushed at and grabbed Ariana Grande during a Wicked: For Good event in Singapore has been charged with being a public nuisance.
According to The Straits Times (one of Singapore’s leading newspapers) Johnson Wen, a 26-year-old Australian, appeared in a district court Friday, Nov. 14, via video. Wen reportedly appeared unrepentant about the incident, but still said that he planned to plead guilty to the charge. His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 17.
Wen could face up to three months in jail, a S$2,000 fine (about $1,500 U.S. dollars), or both.
Wen is a self-proclaimed “stage invader” who goes by the handle @Pyjamamann on social media and calls himself “troll most hated” in his bio. He’s garnered some infamy for getting past security at live music and sporting events, including concerts by Katy Perry, the Weeknd, and the Chainsmokers. He also stormed the field at the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final, while his Instagram includes videos of public disruptions at libraries, food courts, and on public transit.
At the Nov. 13 Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore, Wen was captured on video jumping the security barricades while Grande and her costars were walking the carpet. He appeared to aggressively grab Grande and pull her into an embrace. Cynthia Erivo could be seen shoving Wen away from Grande and checking that she wasn’t hurt.
In the video Wen shared of the incident, he wrote, “Dear Ariana Grande Thank You for letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You ❤️.” His bio also includes the short line: “Ariana Grande is the Queen.”
The incident will likely make security even more of a concern at the last remaining Wicked: For Good events ahead of its Nov. 21 release. Prior to Singapore, Grande told fans she would have to miss the Brazil premiere due to flight delays beyond her control, prompting a wave of over-the-top reactions from some disappointed fans. Grande was forced to respond in a now-expired Instagram Story statement: “Please don’t wish danger on us. We did everything we could and I promise you no one is more upset than I am, I promise. No matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn’t try.”
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