An Australian internet provocateur, who caused a scene by confronting Ariana Grande at the “Wicked: For Good” premiere in Singapore, has been sentenced to nine days in jail as of Monday.
According to Channel News Asia, 26-year-old Johnson Wen was already four days into his detention by Monday. His sentence is scheduled to conclude by Friday.
The incident erupted on November 13 when Wen leaped over a barricade to approach Grande on the premiere’s signature yellow carpet. His advance was promptly halted by co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Michelle Yeoh.
Authorities reported that as security personnel escorted Wen out of the VIP area, he momentarily broke free and attempted another breach, only to be quickly restrained. He was apprehended once more the following day and faced charges under Singapore’s public nuisance laws.
Wen pleaded guilty at his first court appearance. He has pulled similar stunts in the past and posted them on social media under the name “Pyjama Man.” Previously, he skirted security to accost Katy Perry, the Weeknd and the Chainsmokers at events in Australia.
During his court appearance, Wen attempted to assure the judge, saying, “I won’t do it again, Your Honor.” When pressed on his sincerity, he added, “I’m going to stop, your honor … Been getting into trouble,” as reported by Channel News Asia.
The judge, however, remained unconvinced, labeling Wen’s behavior as “attention-seeking” and expressing concern that it could happen again, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The judge concluded by expressing hope that the sentence would effectively deter Wen’s disruptive conduct in the future.
