Man Who Reached For Ariana Grande at Premiere Banned from Singapore
An Australian man who jumped over a barricade and grabbed actress Ariana Grande has been expelled and barred from Singapore.
Johnson Wen, aged 26, was handed a penalty to more than a week in jail for causing a public disturbance and has now been "banned from entering the country again," Singaporean immigration authorities told Singaporean press.
He forced his way through camera crews and rushed toward the performer and artist, who was participating in the Asian premier for the musical adaptation on the thirteenth of November. Co-performer Cynthia Erivo wrestled him away from Grande.
He has a background of causing disturbances at events and celebrity events, including rushing the stage at Katy Perry's Sydney concert in the past June.
The incident caused anger in Singapore, with many accusing him of causing further distress to the star.
The singer has spoken of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder after a explosive incident at her show in the English city in spring of 2017 took the lives of 22 individuals and hurt numerous attendees.
During Wen's trial, the court heard he had made efforts to breach on the red carpet event on two occasions, according to regional reports.
He then made a another effort to cross the barriers. Security staff stopped him and restrained him.
He then uploaded videos expressing gratitude to the star for permitting his access and said he was "at liberty."
Police detained him the next day and brought charges against him with public nuisance, to which the man admitted guilt.
The Presiding Judge Christopher Goh was quoted by Channel News Asia as remarking that he was looking for publicity, noting that he was mistaken to think he would not suffer any consequences.
The actress has not commented on the case.
Erivo spoke about the situation to the press, remarking that she "simply desired to verify my colleague was safe."
"I believe he had no intention to us injury, but you never know with such situations, and I aimed to confirm that she was OK. That was my initial reaction," she stated.
