Fans Urge Custody of Person Who Touched Ariana Grande
Devoted fans of Ariana Grande are urging that a person who jumped a barricade and grabbed the celebrity during the recent Wicked: For Good launch be arrested or removed from Singapore.
A viral footage depicts the Australian man pushing past camera operators and lunging at Grande while the performers walked down a event pathway accompanied by fans.
Co-star Cynthia Erivo promptly guided the surprised star away from Mr Wen, who was seen being led away of the premiere by event staff.
Mr Wen shared on Instagram Thursday evening that he was "free after being detained", though official papers revealed that he was scheduled to appear on Friday morning. It is uncertain if he was charged.
History of Event Invasions
This is not an isolated incident for Mr Wen, who labels himself a "Notorious Troublemaker", has invaded a performance. His Instagram feed features videos of him disturbing other star-studded functions, including jumping on stage at the pop singer's Sydney performance in earlier this year and in a similar way during The Chainsmokers event in the city last winter.
"Measures must be taken applied against him as this is evidently a punishable act," stated an Instagram user, in a reply to a video Mr Wen posted of his actions.
"You've done this repeatedly... how are you not behind bars?" a different Instagram user questioned.
Supporters Voice Worry Over Ariana's Past Trauma
Numerous supporters criticized Mr Wen for "re-traumatising" Grande, who had spoken of dealing with PTSD after a devastating incident at the conclusion of her spring 2017 performance in Manchester, killing 22 people and harming many.
"After everything she's faced... including the Manchester attack, you considered it entertaining to rush the barrier?" said another message on Instagram.
Several attendees also criticised guards at the Thursday event for not being vigilant enough; while different individuals requested social media platforms to remove Mr Wen's videos.
Aftermath and Event Details
In videos circulating online, Grande seemed startled when she was approached by the intruder. Her fellow actors Michelle Yeoh and Erivo can be seen reassuring her while Mr Wen was led out by staff.
Grande has remained silent on the event, and the premiere activities carried on uninterrupted.
Many of fans had gathered in a sea of emerald and rose at the Wicked: For Good international launch in a Singapore venue, including some who had stood in line for as long as a significant duration before it started.
The movie, to be premiered on the 21st of November, is the follow-up of a two-film version of the acclaimed Broadway and West End production Wicked, which revolves around the unlikely relationship between two distinct sorceresses.
The musical itself is a derivative of the twentieth-century book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Grande, who portrays the character Glinda Glinda, was adorned in a light pink sparkling outfit at the event while Erivo, who acts as the wicked witch, wore a black tube gown embroidered with roses.
They were joined by co-star Jeff Goldblum.
The previous installment, Wicked, was the highest-grossing film of the previous year in the UK, and earned 10 Academy Award nods, winning several for excellent wardrobe and set decoration.