Cynthia Erivo has spoken about a red carpet scare involving her Wicked co-star Ariana Grande, saying her first instinct was to step forward and make sure Grande was safe after a man rushed them during a premiere appearance in Singapore. Video from the November 13 event shows the pair greeting fans with castmate Michelle Yeoh nearby when a man vaulted a barrier, ran toward Grande, and put an arm around her. Erivo quickly moved between them, pushing the intruder back as security pulled him away. Erivo later said she had no time to think through the moment and simply moved to shield her friend until security stepped in.
Singapore police arrested the man, identified in reports as Johnson Wen, an Australian social media figure known for crashing celebrity events. He was charged with public nuisance and sentenced to nine days in jail. The incident drew swift criticism online, with many fans arguing that such stunts put performers at risk and turn premieres into targets for attention seekers. Wicked cast member Marissa Bode also condemned the act in a social post, saying it did not reflect real fan support.
Grande has spoken publicly for years about anxiety and post-traumatic stress linked to the 2017 Manchester concert bombing, and commenters noted that sudden physical contact on a crowded carpet can be especially distressing. Grande has not released a separate statement about the Singapore moment, though she appeared shaken in the footage and was comforted by Erivo and Yeoh after the man was removed.
The episode has come during a press tour marked by interruptions. Grande recently said she tested positive for COVID-19 and missed several scheduled appearances, while Erivo has dealt with vocal strain during promotional stops. Wicked: For Good opened theatrically on November 21 and is expected to post one of the biggest debuts of the holiday frame, building on the first film’s $758 million global run.
Erivo’s comments have been read as a reminder that the bond driving the project extends beyond the screen, and that heightened security remains a priority as large-scale tours move through tightly packed fan events worldwide.
