Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Singapore Jails Australian Who Grabbed Ariana Grande at 'Wicked' Premiere for 9 Days

The judge cited a pattern of attention-seeking intrusions to justify a swift deterrent sentence.

Overview

  • Johnson Wen, 26, pleaded guilty Monday in Singapore District Court to public nuisance after jumping a barricade and grabbing Grande at the Nov. 13 Asia-Pacific premiere.
  • District Judge Christopher Goh called the act premeditated and warned that Wen’s history suggested he would reoffend, emphasizing the need to protect Singapore’s reputation for safety.
  • Prosecutors labeled Wen a serial intruder who publicizes his stunts online, and the court heard he attempted a second breach before security pinned him down.
  • Wen has served four days in custody and has five remaining, a sentence below the legal maximum of three months’ jail or a possible S$2,000 fine.
  • Grande has not commented as the promotional tour continues, with co-stars voicing support and renewed scrutiny of red-carpet security and social media incentives for such behavior.