An Australian man has been sentenced to nine days in jail in Singapore after grabbing Ariana Grande during the Asia premiere of Wicked: For Good. Johnson Wen, 26, was convicted of being a public nuisance following the widely discussed incident that left fans, critics, and the public demanding accountability.
Videos shared online captured the moment Wen leaped over the barriers and rushed toward Grande, who appeared visibly shocked as he grabbed her shoulders and jumped excitedly. The clip spread quickly across social platforms, sparking intense outrage. Many people in Singapore called for his arrest and deportation, arguing that his actions crossed serious boundaries and put the artist at risk.
The anger escalated further because of doubts about Wen’s intentions and his history of similar stunts. Some online users accused him of “re-traumatising” Grande, who once shared her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder following the 2017 suicide bombing at her Manchester concert that killed 22 people and injured hundreds.
Why Did Singapore Prosecute the Incident So Firmly?
Reports from Singapore’s media revealed that during Wen’s trial on Monday, November 17, 2025, the court learned he had attempted to intrude on the premiere twice. Moments after grabbing Grande, co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened by prying him off, and security officers removed him from the area. Despite this, Wen tried once again to jump the barricades before being pinned down by security.
Wen later posted videos of himself discussing the incident, thanking Grande and claiming he was “free.” Police arrested him the next day and charged him with public nuisance, to which he pleaded guilty. Prosecutors argued that a week in jail was justified because Wen was a “serial intruder” who often shared videos of his disruptions to boost his online popularity.
His history includes jumping onto stages and pitch areas during concerts by Katy Perry and The Weeknd, as well as invading sporting arenas, which has resulted in fines and bans in Australia. In Singapore, he faced a potential maximum of three months in jail, a fine of up to Ksh200,220, or both.
What Happened After the Premiere and How Did Others Respond?
During the hearing, Wen, who represented himself, told the judge he would “not do it again.” The court eventually issued a nine-day jail sentence, sending a clear message about Singapore’s strict stance on public order and protection of visiting artists.
Grande has not commented on the incident and has continued attending events in Los Angeles. However, two days after the premiere, Cynthia Erivo appeared to reference the moment while reflecting on her friendship with Grande, saying: “We have come through some stuff in our lives, our daily workings… even this last week, let’s be honest.”
The incident continues to fuel conversations about celebrity safety, boundaries, and the growing number of individuals who put performers at risk for online attention.
By Lucky Anyanje