Ariana Grande Attacked on Red Carpet
Ariana Grande during an interview to promote "Wicked," 2024. Photo courtesy of Barbie Simons under CC BY 3.0.
On November 13, 2025, the glitz and glamour of the "Wicked: For Good" premiere at Universal Studios Singapore took a sudden, unsettling turn. Ariana Grande, the pop superstar known for her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances, found herself the target of a shocking red-carpet incident. A 26-year-old man named Johnson Wen allegedly jumped over a barricade and rushed at Grande, grabbing her around the shoulders in a moment that sent ripples of concern through the crowd and reignited a painful chapter in the singer's life.
Who Is Johnson Wen? The Alleged Serial Stunt Fan
Johnson Wen, also known by his online moniker "Pyjama Man," is described by media as a repeat event crasher. This Australian citizen has made a habit of invading high-profile concerts and premieres, previously targeting stars like Katy Perry and The Weeknd. Wen's antics have drawn widespread attention and criticism, with many labeling his behavior reckless and invasive.
At the Singapore premiere, Wen's sudden leap over the barricade and his physical approach to Grande was caught on multiple videos, showing him wrapping his arm around the singer as she visibly tried to pull away. His actions were quickly stopped by Grande's co-star Cynthia Erivo, who intervened promptly, placing herself between Wen and Grande and shouting at him. Security personnel then moved in to restrain Wen, who was later charged with being a public nuisance. Wen intends to plead guilty and could face a fine of up to S$2,000, as reported by The Guardian.
The Incident: A Moment of Vulnerability on the Red Carpet
The red carpet is typically a place of celebration and excitement, but for Grande, the event reportedly triggered a deeply personal and traumatic response. The attack came eight years after the 2017 Manchester concert bombing, a terrorist attack that left 22 people dead and over 1,000 injured. Grande has been open about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from that tragedy, describing ongoing anxiety and panic attacks related to the event. In a 2018 interview with British Vogue, Grande spoke candidly about the severity of her anxiety and the lasting impact of the bombing on her mental health, as reported by PEOPLE.
According to an insider cited by Page Six, the sudden approach of Wen on the red carpet triggered Grande's PTSD, causing her mind to jump to worst-case scenarios. The singer reportedly experienced panic and distress, with the incident forcing her to take precautions to protect her mental health. The trauma of the Manchester bombing has left a lasting impact on Grande. The insider added that Grande "was a victim too" and that she struggles with the repercussions of the attack "every single day."
Cynthia Erivo's Prompt Intervention and Security Concerns
Cynthia Erivo, who stars alongside Grande as Elphaba in "Wicked: For Good," played a crucial role in diffusing the situation. Her quick action to shield Grande and confront Wen prevented the incident from escalating further. Erivo's intervention not only protected her co-star but also highlighted the importance of vigilance and preparedness at high-profile events.
This incident has brought renewed scrutiny to security protocols at celebrity events, especially in light of the increasing frequency of red-carpet invasions. While such breaches have become less common due to tighter security measures, Wen's ability to bypass barricades and rush the star raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety practices. Organizers and security teams are now under pressure to reassess and strengthen their strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Aftermath: Grande's Resilience and the Road Ahead
Despite the frightening encounter, Grande's resilience shines through. She has been candid about her mental health journey, openly discussing the challenges of living with PTSD and anxiety. The Singapore incident underscores the ongoing impact of trauma and the importance of support systems for survivors. Grande's experience serves as a reminder that even those who seem larger than life face vulnerabilities and that compassion and understanding are essential.
As Grande and her co-stars continue their promotional tour for "Wicked: For Good," set to release on November 21, 2025, the focus remains on ensuring her safety and well-being. The entertainment industry, fans, and security professionals alike are watching closely, hoping that lessons learned from this incident will lead to safer environments for artists and audiences alike.
What You Should Know
- Johnson Wen, a 26-year-old Australian citizen known as "Pyjama Man," allegedly rushed at Ariana Grande on the red carpet at the "Wicked: For Good" premiere in Singapore on November 13, 2025.
- The incident reportedly triggered Grande's PTSD, linked to the 2017 Manchester concert bombing that killed 22 and injured over 1,000.
- Cynthia Erivo intervened promptly, protecting Grande and helping security detain Wen.
- Wen faces charges of being a public nuisance, reportedly intends to plead guilty, and could be fined up to S$2,000.
- The incident has sparked fresh concerns about security measures at high-profile events.
This unsettling moment on the red carpet reveals the complex intersection of celebrity, mental health, and security in today's world. For Ariana Grande, it was a stark reminder of past trauma, but also a testament to her strength and the support surrounding her. For fans and event organizers, it's a call to action to prioritize safety and empathy in the spotlight.
References: Ariana Grande fan who attacked her at 'Wicked: For Good' premiere arrested, incident 'triggered singer's PTSD' | Ariana Grande Charged by Fan in Singapore in Scary Red Carpet Moment | Man who grabbed Ariana Grande at Wicked sequel premiere charged | Wicked: For Good
