Person Who Approached Ariana Grande at Movie Premiere Barred from Singapore
An individual of Australian nationality who jumped past a barrier and reached for celebrity Ariana Grande has been sent away and prohibited from Singapore.
The man, 26, was given a sentence to more than a week in jail for causing a public disturbance and has now been "prohibited from returning to Singapore," the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority told local media.
The man shoved past photographers and charged at the celebrity, who was participating in the Asian debut for the film on November 13. Co-performer Cynthia Erivo pulled him back from Grande.
He has a background of causing disturbances at events and high-profile gatherings, including rushing the stage at a Katy Perry performance in Sydney in June this year.
The occurrence provoked strong reactions in Singapore, with many accusing him of triggering past trauma for the singer.
The celebrity has spoken of experiencing trauma-related anxiety after a suicide bomb attack at her show in the English city in May 2017 killed 22 people and hurt numerous attendees.
During Wen's trial, the court heard he had tried to gain access on the red carpet event on two occasions, according to Singaporean media.
He then made a second attempt to cross the barriers. Security staff intercepted him and held him in place.
He then uploaded videos expressing gratitude to the star for allowing his presence and said he was "free."
Authorities detained him the following day and accused him with disorderly conduct, to which the man admitted guilt.
The Presiding Judge the judicial official was referenced by Channel News Asia as saying that the man sought attention, adding that he was wrong to believe he would not face any penalties.
The actress has not addressed the situation.
Cynthia Erivo mentioned the event to a media outlet, saying that she "just wanted to make sure my colleague was protected."
"I believe he didn't mean us injury, but you cannot be certain with such situations, and I sought to confirm that she was alright. That was my immediate response," she commented.
