SINGAPORE: Singapore authorities charged an Australian man on Friday after he rushed pop star Ariana Grande during the Asia premiere of Wicked: For Good at Universal Studios. The 26-year-old, identified as Johnson Wen, jumped over a barricade and wrapped his arm around Grande before security intervened.
Video clips of the incident went viral, showing Wen jumping up and down while waving to the crowd. Grande’s co-star Cynthia Erivo quickly came to her defense, while security guards grabbed Wen and returned him behind the barricade.
Court documents show that Wen has been charged with “being a public nuisance.” Representing himself, he indicated he would plead guilty. He is set to appear in court again on Monday.
Read More: Ariana Grande stuns at Paris premiere of Wicked: For Good
If convicted, Wen could face a fine of up to $1,500, three months in jail, or both. Despite the incident, the movie premiere continued smoothly, with the cast gathering around Grande before walking the yellow carpet.
Ariana Grande, 32, began her career on Broadway as a teen before achieving global fame as a pop singer.
Read More: Man who grabbed Ariana gets charged in court