Supporters Demand Arrest of Man Who Touched Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande at Wicked premiere
Ariana Grande attended an event in Singapore for the regional premiere of Wicked: For Good

Devoted fans of the pop star are demanding that a individual who jumped a barricade and seized the celebrity during Thursday's Wicked: For Good premiere be detained or expelled from Singapore.

A viral video shows the person identified as Johnson Wen shoving aside camera operators and lunging at Grande while the actors proceeded down a promenade flanked by fans.

Cast member Cynthia Erivo quickly pulled the surprised star away from Mr Wen, who was observed being escorted out of the premiere by security officers.

Mr Wen posted on Instagram Thursday evening that he was "free after being arrested", though legal records revealed that he was scheduled to appear on the next day. It is not clear if he was formally accused.

History of Disruptions

This is not the first time for Mr Wen, who describes himself as a "Troll Most Hated", has invaded a concert or event. His Instagram profile contains clips of him disturbing other star-studded functions, including jumping on stage at the artist's Sydney performance in earlier this year and in a comparable manner during The Chainsmokers event in the area last December.

"There needs to be action taken against him as this is evidently a legal violation," commented an Instagram commenter, in a reply to a video Mr Wen shared of his actions.

"You've done this repeatedly... how are you not behind bars?" one Instagram user wrote.

Followers Voice Worry Over Ariana's Safety

Many followers blamed Mr Wen for "triggering past anxiety" Grande, who had discussed dealing with PTSD after a terrorist explosion at the end of her spring 2017 performance in Manchester, killing 22 people and injuring hundreds.

"After everything she's faced... including the Manchester attack, you considered it entertaining to rush the barrier?" commented one more comment on Instagram.

Some supporters also criticised event staff at the Thursday event for not being vigilant enough; while some requested digital services to ban Mr Wen's uploads.

Response and Premiere Information

In clips spreading on the internet, Grande appeared shocked when she was touched by the intruder. Her co-stars Michelle Yeoh and Erivo can be spotted comforting her while Mr Wen was escorted away by staff.

Grande has not issued a statement on the situation, and the premiere activities proceeded as normal.

Fans at Wicked premiere
Hundreds of Singapore fans had queued up to greet the performers of Wicked

Hundreds of attendees had gathered in a mass of emerald and rose at the Wicked: For Good international launch in a Singapore venue, including several who had queued for as long as eight hours before it started.

The film, to be released on the 21st of November, is the sequel of a two-film adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway and West End musical Wicked, which focuses on the unlikely friendship between two contrasting witches.

The musical itself is a adaptation of the 1900 story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Grande, who acts as the good witch Glinda, was dressed in a light pink sparkling outfit at the gathering while Erivo, who plays the Elphaba, wore a elegant ensemble featuring roses.

They were alongside cast member Jeff Goldblum.

The first movie, Wicked, was the highest-grossing movie of last year in the UK, and earned 10 award recognitions, securing two for excellent wardrobe and set decoration.

Theresa Nielsen
Theresa Nielsen

A certified financial planner with over 15 years of experience in investment banking and personal wealth management.