Australian Influencer Jailed After Wicked Premiere Security Breach
An Australian social media influencer has been sentenced to nine days in prison after charging at pop star Ariana Grande during the Asian premiere of Wicked: For Good at Universal Studios in Singapore. The incident, which saw 26-year-old Johnson Wen breach security barriers to accost the terrified singer, has raised serious questions about celebrity safety at public events.
The Shocking Ambush That Went Viral
The dramatic confrontation occurred as Grande walked the yellow carpet alongside co-stars Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum. In footage that quickly went viral online, Wen - known online as 'Pyjama Man' - can be seen jumping over a barricade and wrapping his arm around the 32-year-old singer while wearing a white T-shirt and shorts with distinctive blue-streaked hair.
Grande's co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the musical film, immediately jumped between the intruder and Grande in a protective move, while security guards swiftly intervened to pull Wen away from the visibly shaken star. The entire incident lasted mere seconds but exposed significant security vulnerabilities at the high-profile event.
A Pattern of Disruptive Behaviour
Singapore District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen's actions as premeditated during sentencing, noting the influencer's extensive history of event crashing. "You seem to be attention seeking, thinking only of yourself and not the safety of others when committing these acts," Judge Goh stated, adding that Wen "showed a pattern of behaviour, which suggests that you will do it again."
Wen's criminal record reveals a concerning pattern of similar disruptions at major events worldwide. He recently crashed The Weeknd concert in Melbourne last August, was pulled off-stage during The Chainsmokers' Sydney performance in July, and ambushed Katy Perry on a Sydney stage in June. His behaviour extends beyond music events to include streaking across sporting venues during the Cricket World Cup 2023 and disrupting the 100m Olympic Final in Paris 2024.
Legal Consequences and Warning to Others
Despite facing a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment or a $1,500 fine under Singapore's public nuisance laws, Wen received a nine-day sentence after pleading guilty. The judge emphasised the need to "send a signal to like-minded individuals... that we will not condone any act that potentially undermines the reputation of Singapore as a safe country."
Appearing via videolink from custody, where he had already served four days, Wen told the court: "I won't do it again, Your Honour. I am going to stop getting into trouble." However, the court remained sceptical given his repeated offences and his online persona where he proudly describes himself as an 'invader' and shares videos of his disruptive stunts.
The case has highlighted growing concerns about celebrity security at public events and the dangers posed by social media influencers seeking viral fame through dangerous stunts. With Wen due to serve another five days in prison, authorities are considering whether additional measures should be taken upon his release to prevent further incidents.
