Ariana Grande encountered a frightening situation on November 13, 2023, during the premiere of “Wicked: For Good” in Singapore. As the singer walked the yellow brick road carpet at Universal Studios Singapore, a man broke through security and grabbed her, causing alarm among fans and attendees.
The incident occurred while Grande, who portrays Glinda in the upcoming film, was accompanied by co-stars Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. Videos shared on social media captured the moment when a man dressed in a white shirt and shorts sprinted towards Grande, wrapping an arm around her before she managed to pull away. His long black hair, streaked with blue, made him easily identifiable.
Cynthia Erivo quickly reacted to the breach, rushing to stand between Grande and the intruder while shouting at him to back off. Security personnel swiftly intervened, escorting the man away from the carpet and restoring order to the event. Grande appeared visibly shaken after the encounter, taking deep breaths while Erivo and Yeoh provided comfort during the tense moments that followed.
Social media users rapidly identified the individual as Johnson Wen, who is known online as “Pyjama Man.” Following the incident, he posted a video on Instagram, thanking Grande for the interaction. His caption read: “Dear Ariana Grande, thank you for letting me jump on the yellow carpet with you.”
Witnesses to the event expressed their concern online. One user, Diana Daytona, who shared additional footage, noted that the intruder attempted to approach Grande multiple times before being removed. She reflected on the situation, saying, “I’m so mad. This is so scary… and he even tried another time before he was finally kicked out.”
Reactions from fans on various social media platforms highlighted alarm over Grande’s safety. Comments included sentiments such as, “Security was WAY too slow,” and “Moments like this are scary,” emphasizing the need for tighter security measures at public events.
This incident raises important questions about the safety protocols at high-profile premieres, particularly those involving globally recognized artists like Ariana Grande. As the entertainment industry continues to grow, ensuring the safety of performers remains a critical concern for organizers and fans alike.
