A Singapore court has sentenced Australian citizen Johnson Wen to nine days in jail after he rushed toward Ariana Grande at a movie premiere, causing a public disturbance, as reported by the BBC.
The incident occurred during Thursday’s Asia premiere of «Wicked: For Good,» where Wen jumped a barrier, approached Grande and grabbed her shoulders before her co-star Cynthia Erivo and security intervened. A video of the incident spread widely on social media, prompting a public outcry in Singapore.
After being removed by security, Wen attempted to breach the barricades a second time at the premiere but was pinned down and later arrested. Prosecutors described him as a repeat offender who has disrupted concerts and public events to gain online attention. Similar videos show him breaching security at performances by Katy Perry and The Weeknd, as well as at sporting events.
Wen pleaded guilty to causing a public nuisance. Under Singapore law, the offense carries a possible sentence of up to three months in jail or a fine. Wen told the court he would not repeat the behavior.
A separate incident involving a public intrusion on a political figure was reported earlier this month in Mexico, where President Claudia Sheinbaum was approached by a stranger during a public walkabout. Authorities later said the man had been detained and referred to the prosecutor’s office for investigation of potential sexual crimes.
