Australian Fan Lands in Jail After Rushing Ariana Grande at Premiere
A shocking moment unfolded last week at Universal Studios Singapore when Ariana Grande was unexpectedly rushed by a fan during the Asian premiere of her new film, Wicked: For Good.
The man, 26-year-old Australian Johnson Wen, who has gained notoriety online as ‘PyjamaMan’, jumped over a barricade and put his arm around the singer and actor, leaving Grande visibly startled.
@wheninmanila Man jumps over the barricade to run to Ariana Grande at the yellow carpet of the “Wicked: For Good” premiere in Singapore. We are so relieved she’s alright! #arianagrande #wickedforgood #wheninmanila ♬ original sound – WhenInManila.com
Quick-Thinking Co-Star Protects Grande
Before security could react, co-star Cynthia Erivo stepped in, moving directly between Wen and Grande to shield the star. Observers noted Erivo’s immediate action prevented what could have been a more serious incident.
Court reports later highlighted this intervention as critical in maintaining safety during the premiere, which was attended by the film’s cast and high-profile guests.
‘Pattern of Disruption’ Influenced Sentence
At the Singapore District Court on Monday, Judge Christopher Goh sentenced Wen to nine days in jail, citing his history of disruptive behaviour at concerts and global sports events.
“This is not an isolated incident,” Judge Goh said. “Your past conduct demonstrates a pattern, which suggests you may do it again if not restrained.”
Authorities noted that Wen’s antics on social media and previous public events influenced the sentencing, underscoring concerns about repeat disruptions at high-profile gatherings.
Public Reaction and Online Buzz
The incident has already sparked reactions online. Fans and commentators praised Erivo for her swift protection, while discussions around celebrity safety at public events reignited on social media platforms.
One user commented: “Cynthia Erivo deserves a medal for stepping in. Ariana could have been seriously hurt.” Another noted: “PyjamaMan shows why security measures exist—no one should breach a barricade like that.”
The case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities celebrities face in public spaces and the importance of rapid intervention when fans cross boundaries.
A Spotlight on Safety at Red Carpets
While the premiere was meant to celebrate Wicked: For Good, the incident cast a spotlight on the risks that accompany celebrity appearances. Grande, known for her composure, handled the situation calmly, but the event underscores the challenges organizers face in balancing fan access with safety.
For Wen, the nine-day sentence is a stern reminder of consequences, and for fans, it signals that celebrity boundaries are not to be crossed.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: X{@PageSix}