An Australian man, Johnson Wen, has been deported from Singapore after serving a nine-day jail sentence for rushing film star Ariana Grande during the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” on March 15, 2024. Following the incident, Singapore’s immigration authority confirmed that Wen has been barred from returning to the city-state.
The event took place at Universal Studios in Singapore, where Grande and other stars were celebrating the opening night of the eagerly awaited film. Wen, 26, leaped over a barricade and approached Grande, placing his arm around her. Footage from the premiere captured the moment, showing Grande’s co-star, Cynthia Erivo, swiftly intervening to protect her, pushing Wen away before security personnel apprehended him and returned him to the other side of the barricade.
Wen was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with “being a public nuisance.” His actions were deemed disruptive, and he faced legal proceedings that culminated in a court ruling last week, where he received a sentence significantly below the possible maximum penalties. The law allows for up to three months in jail, a fine of $1,500, or both.
In delivering the sentence, Singapore District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as “attention-seeking,” noting a concerning pattern of disruptive behavior at various global events. Judge Goh highlighted that Wen’s actions indicated a likelihood of reoffending.
Wen later expressed regret for his behavior through an Instagram video, thanking Grande for allowing him to “jump on the Yellow Carpet” with her. He acknowledged that he was “wrong” to believe there would be no consequences for his actions and pledged not to repeat them.
The premiere of “Wicked: For Good” marked a significant event for its cast, particularly for Grande and Erivo, who have formed a close bond throughout the film’s promotional activities. In an interview with “CBS Mornings” in December 2024, Erivo shared their mutual commitment to supporting one another during the project’s demanding production process.
The film has received considerable attention since its release in the United States and continues to be a focal point for fans of both Grande and Erivo.
