Grande barricade jumper jailed for nine days

Australian Johnson Wen jailed in Singapore for public nuisance

SINGAPORE:

A 26-year-old Australian man was sentenced to nine days in jail on Monday for rushing pop star Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of 'Wicked: For Good'.

Johnson Wen leapt over a barricade at Resorts World Sentosa on November 13, wrapping his arm around Grande before jumping up and down, leaving the singer visibly shocked. Co-star Cynthia Erivo and security officers quickly intervened, preventing any harm.

Footage of the stunt quickly went viral online. Wen later posted clips on social media, thanking Grande and showing himself 'free' after his arrest, signalling a lack of remorse. He was remanded on November 14 and appeared in court via videolink, appearing calm as prosecutors outlined his repeated pattern of attention-seeking behaviour.

Investigations revealed Wen had previously disrupted concerts by Katy Perry, The Chainsmokers, and The Weeknd, highlighting a troubling history of targeting high-profile events. Despite having no criminal record in Singapore, prosecutors argued that a custodial sentence was necessary to deter similar acts.

District Judge Christopher Goh described Wen as "attention-seeking" and warned that previous unchecked actions abroad may have given him a false sense of impunity. "You are wrong. You should be mindful that there are always consequences for one's actions," Goh said, noting that Singapore law allows up to three months' imprisonment or a fine of S$2,000 for public nuisance.

Wen pleaded guilty, promising not to repeat his behaviour. However, the court imposed jail time to ensure the sentence would "end Wen's behaviour for good." The incident did not disrupt the premiere, which went ahead as planned, with Grande and the cast continuing down the yellow carpet.