
Pop superstar Ariana Grande has shared her heartfelt love for Singapore following a startling incident at the red carpet during the Asia-Pacific premiere of her latest film, “Wicked: For Good”, held at Universal Studios Singapore on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The 32-year-old singer and actress, who stars as Glinda in the highly anticipated sequel, was unexpectedly accosted by a man during the star-studded event, an incident that left Grande visibly shaken but undeterred in her affection for her fans and the host city.
The Red Carpet Incident
While walking the yellow brick road-themed carpet alongside co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum, Grande encountered an alarming situation. A man, later identified as Johnson Wen, 26, ran toward the singer, grabbed her, and caused a brief but tense moment on the red carpet.
Cynthia Erivo, portraying Elphaba in the film, swiftly intervened, placing herself between Grande and the intruder. Security personnel quickly moved in to remove Wen from the scene, ensuring Grande’s safety.
The incident shocked fans and onlookers alike, highlighting the importance of celebrity security at major events.
Legal Action Against Johnson Wen
Following the red carpet scuffle, Wen was charged by a Singapore court on Friday, November 14, with being a public nuisance, according to official reports and coverage by the BBC.
Wen appeared in court via video link, without legal representation, and is expected to plead guilty on Monday, November 17, 2025, according to The Straits Times.
Known online as “Pyjama Man,” Wen has a history of crashing celebrity events, including incidents with Katy Perry and The Weeknd earlier this year. After his arrest, Wen posted on Instagram Stories, stating, “I’m free after being arrested.”
Ariana Grande Shares Love for Singapore
Despite the unsettling experience, Ariana Grande took to Instagram on Friday to express her gratitude and affection for Singapore. She posted a carousel of photos from the press tour, showcasing her elegant fashion choices, including a sparkling Thom Browne gown worn at the premiere and a dazzling pink Balenciaga dress.
Grande captioned her post:
“Thank you, Singapore ♡ we love you 🫧”
The singer also shared playful selfies, including one with an under-eye mask, demonstrating her down-to-earth personality amid the glitz and chaos of the premiere.
Grande’s Past Struggles with Anxiety and PTSD
This incident is particularly poignant given Grande’s past experiences. The singer has openly discussed her struggles with PTSD following the 2017 Manchester concert bombing, which tragically claimed 22 lives. In a 2018 interview with British Vogue, she shared the emotional toll the attack took on her and her fans.
Grande has also been candid about her ongoing anxiety, once describing her mental health journey as a battle with her anxiety itself, noting how difficult it was to cope in the aftermath of her tours and personal trauma.
A Reminder of Celebrity Safety and Fan Boundaries
The incident underscores the importance of security at high-profile events and the sometimes unpredictable nature of fan behavior. While Grande remains gracious and loving toward her fans, moments like these highlight the challenges celebrities face while maintaining personal safety in public spaces.
Fans and the public continue to show support for Ariana Grande, praising her composure during the frightening encounter and her ability to share positivity even in difficult circumstances.
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