A serial intruder known as 'Pyjama Man' has been sentenced to jail time after ambushing pop superstar Ariana Grande during a film premiere in Singapore, in what authorities describe as a calculated move for social media fame.
The Red Carpet Ambush
Johnson Wen, a 26-year-old Australian online prankster, violently stormed past security at Universal Studios Singapore during Thursday's premiere of 'Wicked: For Good'. The disturbing incident saw Wen latch onto Grande, wrapping an arm around the terrified singer as she struggled to pull away from his grasp.
Co-star Cynthia Erivo immediately intervened, shouting at Wen while throwing herself between him and Grande as security personnel finally tackled the intruder and dragged him away. Grande was left visibly shaken on the yellow brick carpet, taking deep breaths as she continued alongside Erivo following the traumatic encounter.
A Pattern of Disturbing Behaviour
According to Singapore's The Straits Times, Wen received a nine-day jail sentence after being charged with public nuisance. The judge noted that Wen had planned the disturbing move specifically to gain social media attention, stating: 'You seem to be attention-seeking, thinking only of yourself, and not the safety of others, when committing these acts.'
Prosecutors labelled Wen a 'serial intruder' with a extensive history of harassing celebrities. His social media boasts include videos of him accosting Katy Perry, The Weeknd, and The Chainsmokers at various events. In June, he faced charges for interrupting Katy Perry's Sydney concert, receiving two offenses for entering enclosed land and obstructing personnel.
Chilling Social Media Bragging
Just hours after the Singapore incident, Wen uploaded a chilling selfie showing manic eyes as he pointed at a Grande poster, captioned: 'I finally met Ariana Grande tonight.' He later posted footage of the red carpet ambush with the message: 'Dear Ariana Grande Thank You for letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You.'
In another social media video, Wen declared: 'Finally, I dreamed about meeting Ariana Grande and my dream became true,' followed by a maniacal laugh: 'Hee-hee-hee heeeeee.'
Outrage and Past Trauma
Fans expressed fury across social media platforms, with many referencing Grande's past traumas including the Manchester bombing that killed 22 people at her concert in 2017. One fan wrote: 'After all the trauma Ari has been through, this is beyond disrespectful. Not just to her, but to the cast and to all the fans.'
Grande has previously spoken openly about struggling with PTSD following the Manchester attack, telling British Vogue in 2018: 'It's hard to talk about because so many people have suffered such severe, tremendous loss.' Her then-manager Scooter Braun revealed in 2020 that on the three-year anniversary of the bombing, the pop star was still struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
History of Security Breaches
Wen's disturbing pattern of behaviour extends beyond celebrity events. The unemployed Australian, last known to be living in a backpackers hostel, has conducted security invasions at major global events including the Paris Olympics, FIFA Women's World Cup, and the men's Cricket World Cup final in India.
His Instagram bio proudly describes him as the 'most hated troll' and '2023 WorId Cup FinaI Pitch lnvader'. According to reports, Wen has racked up approximately $20,000 in fines for his repeated offences, including a $250 penalty for dangling from a Brisbane footbridge in 2020 and a $220 fine for a rugby union pitch invasion in 2021.
Despite previously claiming he planned to 'quit forever' because 'you get in way too much trouble for it', Wen continued his dangerous behaviour, culminating in the Singapore incident that has now resulted in his first jail sentence.
