Ariana Grande Red‑Carpet Attacker Deported From Singapore After Nine Days in Custody
By Billboard · Nov. 23, 2025
A 26‑year‑old Australian who rushed the red carpet and grabbed Ariana Grande at a Wicked premiere in Singapore has been deported after spending nine days in custody.
BBC News reported on Nov. 23 that the man, identified as Johnson Wen, was removed from the city‑state and is prohibited from returning, according to Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Authorities detained Wen and convicted him of causing a public nuisance before arranging his departure from the country.
BBC News
The incident drew widespread attention during promotional events for Wicked: For Good, which opened in theaters worldwide on Nov. 21, 2025. At the Singapore premiere Wen surged toward the R.E.M. Beauty co‑founder and wrapped an arm around her neck, leaving Grande visibly shaken. Security and actress Cynthia Erivo intervened; witnesses say Wen clung to Grande’s shoulder as he was removed.
In an interview with Today, Cynthia Erivo described acting on instinct to protect her friend: “I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe — that was my first instinct.” Erivo’s swift response was widely praised.
Grande has not issued a public statement about the assault. Wen, meanwhile, has continued to post videos on social platforms showing him stage‑crashing events and inappropriately touching performers without consent. He was previously arrested this summer for a similar incident involving Katy Perry.
The sequel, Wicked: For Good, arrives after a yearlong wait following the original Wicked premiere in November 2024. The film’s soundtrack, released on Nov. 21, includes two new songs featuring performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
