Singapore’s jailing of an Australian man who rushed at Ariana Grande at a film premiere has struck a raw nerve among locals, whose near-unanimous applause for the punishment reflects deep frustration with behaviour seen as attention-seeking and disruptive to the city state’s hard-won image for safety.
The nine-day term – which the judge increased from an initial proposal of seven days – was also the first time serial stage invader Johnson Wen has faced custodial consequences, after similar antics across Australia and Europe, according to court records and previous media reports.
Legal analysts said the unusually firm approach underscored how seriously Singapore regarded breaches of public order at major events, especially those involving large crowds and global celebrities.
Wen, 26, pleaded guilty on Monday to causing annoyance to the public after jumping over a barricade at last week’s premiere of Wicked: For Good and placing his arm around Grande before security intervened.
After committing the act, Wen posted a video of the incident on social media and thanked Grande. Police arrested him after locating him in Chinatown on Friday, according to local media reports.
