On Thursday at the Singapore red carpet for Wicked: For Good, singer-actor Ariana Grande was unexpectedly accosted when a fan broke through the perimeter and lunged at her. Multiple videos circulating online show the individual rushing the cast, throwing his arms around Grande and smiling as security and entourage scrambled. Cynthia Erivo was the first co-star to physically intervene, pushing the fan away and putting her arms around Grande while Michelle Yeoh moved in to comfort her. Grande appeared visibly shaken; the incident has renewed questions about celebrity security at public events.
Key Takeaways
- A fan breached the red carpet security line at the Wicked: For Good event in Singapore on Thursday and physically grabbed Ariana Grande.
- Cynthia Erivo intervened immediately, shoving the fan back and shielding Grande; Michelle Yeoh provided additional comfort moments later.
- Videos of the encounter circulated widely on social platforms within hours, prompting public concern about event safety.
- Observers noted a double security lapse: the fan reached Grande and a co-star—not security—was first to make physical contact with the assailant.
- The incident revived memories of the 2017 Manchester attack that killed 22 people and the ongoing security concerns Grande has discussed publicly.
- Wicked: For Good is due in theaters on Nov. 21 and is tracking for a $115–$125 million opening over Thanksgiving; the first Wicked film exceeded $750 million worldwide.
Background
Red carpet appearances are high-visibility promotional events for major studio releases; Wicked: For Good is in the final weeks before its U.S. release on Nov. 21. The cast—led by director Jon M. Chu’s follow-up to his 2024 adaptation—has been appearing at premieres and press stops across Europe and Asia to build awareness and box office momentum. Public safety at these events has been a recurring issue for decades, as large crowds and open access create vulnerabilities that organizers must manage.
Ariana Grande’s career has been shadowed by the 2017 Manchester bombing outside her concert, which killed 22 people and prompted heightened concern and investment in personal and venue security among touring artists and public figures. Earlier in 2025 Grande spoke about trauma and treatment, saying therapy and music helped her cope after that attack. Studios and promoters now rely on layered security—private teams, venue staff, and local police—but coordination and execution vary by city and event type.
Main Event
At the Singapore premiere, footage shows a man forcefully moving past a row of onlookers and security personnel before reaching the area where Grande and other cast members were posing. He wrapped his arms around Grande in what witnesses called an aggressive embrace while smiling, according to multiple clips shared online. Security personnel and handlers intervened, but those clips indicate it was Cynthia Erivo who first made contact to push the assailant away from Grande.
Following Erivo’s physical intervention, other staff and cast members, including Michelle Yeoh, moved in to steady Grande and separate her from the scene. Grande remained close to cast and handlers as she was escorted off the red carpet; there was no immediate public statement from police at the venue in the available footage. The man’s demeanor—reported as grinning in the videos—led many viewers to describe the act as reckless and potentially criminal.
Representatives for the film and local authorities had not released detailed accounts by the time footage was widely shared, and it was unclear whether formal charges were filed immediately. The episode lasted only moments but has had an outsized impact on how fans and industry observers discuss the adequacy of red carpet protection and crowd control measures at high-profile premieres.
Analysis & Implications
The incident highlights persistent gaps in event security for high-profile talent. Organizers typically employ multiple layers—venue security, contracted private teams, and sometimes local police—but the video suggests those layers failed to prevent a direct approach to a principal cast member. Promoters and studios may now reassess perimeter protocols, credentialing, and crowd density limits for future premieres, particularly for films with large fan followings.
There is also a reputational and psychological dimension. For Grande, who has publicly discussed trauma after the 2017 Manchester bombing, a public breach can trigger renewed distress and could affect promotional activities in the near term. Studios must balance promotional needs against artist welfare; some performers have already reduced public appearances or increased private security following threats or close calls.
The event may prompt insurers, promoters and venue operators to tighten requirements for public events, including larger standoff distances, more visible barriers and an increased ratio of trained security staff to attendees. For a major release like Wicked: For Good—tracking for a $115–$125 million opening—negative headlines tied to safety could complicate marketing in some markets, though box office impact is likely to be limited unless further incidents occur.
Comparison & Data
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Global gross — first Wicked film | More than $750 million |
| Projected opening — Wicked: For Good | $115–$125 million (Thanksgiving weekend) |
| Manchester attack fatalities (2017) | 22 |
The box-office comparison underlines the commercial stakes for studio premieres: the original Wicked quickly became a global hit, surpassing $750 million, which helps explain the heavy promotional push for the sequel. The projected $115–$125 million opening positions the film as a major Thanksgiving contender; studios often intensify media appearances in the lead-up to such debuts, increasing exposure and, correspondingly, the number of public events to secure.
Reactions & Quotes
Fans and commentators immediately weighed in online, praising Erivo’s quick response and criticizing apparent security shortcomings. The social reaction amplified the incident within hours.
“Cynthia having faster reflexes than multiple grown male security….”
Fan post on social media
This fan remark circulated widely and was used by other users to highlight perceived lapses by professional security. Observers contrasted the briefness of the intervention with the potential for more serious harm, given past attacks on public events.
“I was doing so much therapy, and I was dealing with PTSD… having music be a part of that remedy was absolutely contributing to saving my life.”
Ariana Grande (previous interview)
That earlier quote from Grande about the psychological fallout after the 2017 Manchester attack was widely cited after the red carpet incident; it framed public concern about how such breaches can affect artists beyond the immediate physical danger. No official long-form statements from Grande, Erivo, or the film studio had been posted at the time footage spread online.
Unconfirmed
- It was not confirmed whether authorities in Singapore filed criminal charges against the fan immediately following the incident.
- The motive of the individual—whether political, prank-driven or otherwise—has not been established by an official source.
- Details about which security contractor or local agency was responsible for the perimeter at that event have not been publicly disclosed.
Bottom Line
The quick physical intervention by Cynthia Erivo likely prevented further escalation and underscores the unpredictability of public appearances, even with layered security. For talent and studios, the episode will re-open conversations about protective measures at premieres and whether current practices are sufficient for high-profile casts and major releases.
While there is no indication the incident will materially affect Wicked: For Good’s box office trajectory, it may alter how cast promotional schedules are organized and prompt tighter local protocols at premieres worldwide. Fans, promoters and security providers will be watching how organizers respond and whether formal changes to event procedures follow.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter (Entertainment news report on the red carpet incident)
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Official record of 2025 nominations)
- Box Office Pro (Industry box-office tracking and projections)