Supporters Urge Custody of Person Who Grabbed Ariana Grande
Devoted fans of Ariana Grande are demanding that a individual who leaped a barricade and touched the actress during Thursday's Wicked: For Good launch be arrested or expelled from Singapore.
A viral video depicts the person identified as Johnson Wen bypassing media personnel and rushing toward Grande while the performers made its way down a promenade accompanied by onlookers.
Co-star Cynthia Erivo promptly guided the shocked actress away from Mr Wen, who was spotted being led away of the gathering by event staff.
Mr Wen shared on Instagram late on Thursday that he was "released after being taken in", though court documents indicated that he was due to appear on Friday morning. It is unknown if he was charged.
Record of Disruptions
This is not the first time for Mr Wen, who labels himself a "Troll Most Hated", has invaded a concert or event. His Instagram profile features recordings of him disturbing other high-profile occasions, including breaching the performance area at Katy Perry's Sydney performance in earlier this year and in a similar way during The Chainsmokers performance in the same location last year.
"Steps should be implemented applied against him as this is clearly a legal violation," wrote an Instagram follower, in a reply to a video Mr Wen shared of his actions.
"Oh wow so you do this a lot... how aren't you in jail?" another Instagram user questioned.
Followers Show Disapproval Over Ariana's Well-being
Many followers criticized Mr Wen for "re-traumatising" Grande, who had discussed suffering from PTSD after a devastating incident at the conclusion of her May 2017 performance in Manchester, resulting in the death of 22 people and injuring many.
"Ariana has been through so many scary things... and at her Manchester concert and you thought it would be fun to jump the barricade?" commented a further response on Instagram.
Several fans also questioned event staff at the Thursday event for not being vigilant enough; while different individuals requested online networks to ban Mr Wen's uploads.
Response and Event Details
In videos shared widely, Grande appeared surprised when she was approached by the individual. Her co-stars Michelle Yeoh and Erivo can be observed consoling her while Mr Wen was escorted away by security.
Grande has not issued a statement on the situation, and the premiere activities proceeded as normal.
Many of supporters had assembled in a mass of colorful attire at the Wicked: For Good Asia-Pacific debut in a Singapore venue, including several who had stood in line for as long as a significant duration before it began.
The movie, to be released on the 21st of November, is the sequel of a dual version of the acclaimed Broadway and West End production Wicked, which centers on the unlikely bond between two contrasting witches.
The musical itself is a spin-off of the classic book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Grande, who acts as the benevolent sorceress Glinda, was decked out in a champagne pink sequin dress at the gathering while Erivo, who portrays the wicked witch, wore a elegant ensemble featuring roses.
They were alongside cast member Jeff Goldblum.
The initial film, Wicked, was the highest-grossing film of last year in the UK, and earned a dozen Academy Award nods, winning a pair for excellent wardrobe and set decoration.