Universal’s promotional campaign for Wicked: For Good shifted focus this week after an incident at its Singapore premiere drew widespread attention online and renewed scrutiny around event security.
Fan Approaches Ariana Grande on Yellow Carpet
During the November 13 premiere at Universal Studios Singapore, a man identified online as Johnson Wen climbed over a barricade and ran toward Grande before grabbing her. Several videos of the moment circulated widely across social media.
Cynthia Erivo protected Ariana Grande from a crazy person who jumped the barricade during the ‘WICKED: FOR GOOD’ premiere in Singapore.
Cynthia Erivo protected Ariana Grande from a crazy person who jumped the barricade during the ‘WICKED: FOR GOOD’ premiere in Singapore. pic.twitter.com/W3lYuhVKhk
— Film Crave (@_filmcrave) November 13, 2025
Erivo intervened and shouted, “Get off her, get off her, don't touch her,” before security returned the man to the other side of the barrier. He was not removed from the venue until a second attempt to approach Grande occurred later on the yellow carpet. Michelle Yeoh, who plays Madame Morrible, comforted Grande following the encounter.
Wen is known locally for similar interruptions. He previously rushed the stage at concerts by Katy Perry and The Weeknd. He later said, “I know it's bad, but I didn’t care about the consequences. I was going to do it either way, even though it was really bad to do it.”
Before Wednesday's premiere, Wen posted a video next to a Wicked poster saying, “I feel like I'm in a dream. That's my best friend Ariana Grande and I'm going to meet her. I've been dreaming about that.”
Following the incident, he wrote that he had “finally met Ariana Grande” and claimed online that he was “free” after being arrested.
Authorities told Mothership that Wen will appear in court on November 14 and faces a public nuisance charge. Penalties could include a jail sentence of up to three months, a S$2,000 fine, deportation, or a future ban from Singapore.
Online Reaction References Ariana Grande's Past Trauma
The episode prompted widespread criticism on social platforms. Many cited Grande’s previously discussed anxiety and post-traumatic stress following the 2017 Manchester arena bombing, which killed 22 people.
“I’ve always had anxiety,” she told British Vogue in 2018. “I’ve never really spoken about it because I thought everyone had it, but when I got home from tour (in September 2017), it was the most severe I think it’s ever been.”
Regarding the attack, she said, “It's hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss. … I know those families and my fans, and everyone there experienced a tremendous amount of it as well.”
“I feel like I shouldn't even be talking about my own experience – like I shouldn't even say anything,” she said. “I don't think I'll ever know how to talk about it and not cry.”
Grande continued posting photos from her Singapore trip, including images taken with Erivo at Universal Studios Singapore and a meet-and-greet with Dolores the Aquilops in the park’s Jurassic Park area.
A separate video showed Grande and Erivo leaving a restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa after the premiere without engaging with waiting fans. Social media users said this was “honestly understandable after what happened.”
Promotional Campaign Expected to Continue
Wicked: For Good continues the story established in Wicked (2024), with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande returning as Elphaba and Glinda. Early reactions from preview screenings have been positive, with viewers noting strong performances and new original songs written for both leads.
Jon Chu again directs the adaptation, which features Broadway staples including “For Good” and “No Good Deed.” The film is being positioned as a major holiday release, with Universal – which is rumored to be planning Wicked attractions for its theme parks – conducting premieres across multiple markets.
Universal has not issued a statement regarding the incident. The film’s press tour is still scheduled to continue, with security expected to be monitored closely following the breach.
Wicked: For Good opens November 21.
