An Australian man made headlines after his controversial actions at the *Wicked: For Good* Singapore film premiere. Johnson Wen, 26, was sentenced to nine days’ jail for causing a public nuisance when he rushed toward singer-actress Ariana Grande during the event.
The Reckless Antics
On 13 November 2024, Wen was attending the yellow carpet event held at Universal Studios Singapore. Witnesses describe a chaotic scene as he jumped over barricades, ran towards Grande, and put his arm around her, all while filming the incident. Grande appeared visibly shocked, prompting her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, and security staff to intervene promptly.
Wen’s Legal Troubles
Having been in remand since his arrest on 14 November, Wen pleaded guilty in court to charges related to public nuisance. During the hearing, it was revealed that he had a record of similar disruptive behaviour, having previously crashed events for prominent musicians such as Katy Perry and The Weeknd. The prosecution highlighted Wen’s lack of remorse, citing an Instagram story he posted bragging about his experience shortly after being detained.
- Incident Date: 13 November 2024
- Sentencing Date: 17 November 2024
- Possible Sentence: Up to three months imprisonment, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both
The Court’s Perspective
District Judge Christopher Goh expressed concern over Wen’s actions, urging him to reflect on the potential consequences of his behaviour. The judge noted that Wen’s conduct was premeditated and could have resulted in harm to both Grande and the attending public.
Wen’s Response
In court, Wen acknowledged that he knew his actions would irritate the public. Despite this, his history of intrusion into high-profile events paints a picture of a man seeking attention, seemingly oblivious to the repercussions of his escapades.
Singapore authorities remain firm in their stance that such public disorder will not be tolerated, reiterating that events must be enjoyed safely by all attendees.