Man Who Approached Ariana Grande at Film Launch Barred from Singapore
A man from Australia who jumped across a fence and grabbed actress Ariana Grande has been sent away and barred from Singapore.
The individual, 26, was handed a penalty to nine days in detention for causing a public disturbance and has now been "prohibited from returning to Singapore," Singaporean immigration authorities stated to news outlets.
He forced his way past photographers and rushed toward the performer and artist, who was attending the regional launch for the musical adaptation on November 13. Co-performer Cynthia Erivo intervened to remove him from Grande.
Wen has a history of interrupting performances and high-profile gatherings, including leaping onto the platform at a Katy Perry performance in Sydney in this summer.
The event sparked outrage in Singapore, with numerous people saying he of triggering past trauma for the singer.
The singer has spoken of suffering from PTSD after a terrorist bombing at her performance in the English city in several years ago resulted in the deaths of over twenty people and hurt numerous attendees.
During Wen's trial, the judge was informed he had attempted to intrude on the red carpet event on two occasions, according to Singaporean media.
He then made a follow-up try to breach security. Security staff prevented him and held him in place.
The man subsequently shared video clips thanking Grande for letting him on the carpet and said he was "free."
Police arrested him the next day and accused him with public nuisance, to which the man admitted guilt.
The Court Judge Christopher Goh was referenced by media reports as saying that the man sought attention, noting that he was mistaken to think he would not experience repercussions.
Grande has not addressed the incident.
The co-star discussed the incident to a media outlet, remarking that she "simply desired to verify my friend was safe."
"I believe he didn't mean us harm, but you never know with those things, and I sought to confirm that she was alright. That was my initial reaction," she stated.
