August M
Singapore’s courts, known for taking a firm stance on public-order offences, delivered their latest response on Monday — this time to an Australian who has repeatedly chased the spotlight.
A brief disturbance broke out during Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good when a man slipped past a barrier and moved straight toward the cast, catching both performers and onlookers off guard.
The encounter unfolded in seconds, forcing security teams to step in immediately.
According to CNA, the man closed in on Ariana Grande, getting uncomfortably close and even bouncing beside her. She reacted with visible shock as the situation rapidly escalated before guards pulled him away.
Investigations cited by CNA found he had forced his way into concerts by Katy Perry, The Chainsmokers and The Weeknd, along with other high-profile gatherings.
Clips he posted online showed him treating these breaches as trophies, reinforcing what prosecutors later described as a sustained pattern of behaviour.
Court appearance
Wen appeared via video-link from remand, wearing a white shirt and sporting dishevelled hair with blue streaks — consistent with his past social-media videos, according to CNA.
Throughout the hearing, he maintained a faint smile, even during the playback of footage and the reading of his sentence.
CNA reported that he occasionally asked the court officer to repeat parts of the proceeding and answered “English. Australia” when asked about his language abilities. He had been in remand for four days before the hearing.
Lead-up to the Singapore event
CNA reported that Wen arrived in Singapore on Nov 11, saying he planned to attend the Wicked: For Good promotional premiere and take a short holiday.
Ahead of the event, he posted an Instagram story calling Grande his “best friend” and saying he had long hoped to meet her — remarks prosecutors pointed to as evidence of premeditation.
On Nov 13 at Resorts World Sentosa, the film’s cast — including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh — greeted fans at a controlled viewing area.
Aftermath and online amplification
That night, Wen uploaded clips of the encounter to TikTok and Instagram, thanking Grande and describing himself as “free”, CNA reported.
Dozens of videos of the incident circulated globally within hours, fuelling widespread commentary and debate.
Wen later admitted he knew the incident would annoy the public.
Police arrested him the next day on Temple Street for public nuisance, according to CNA.
Wider context
Experts note that dramatic intrusions at celebrity events have increased worldwide, often driven by the promise of quick viral notoriety and the ease of instant self-promotion.
Singapore’s courts have historically taken a strict approach to public-order offences, reflecting a broader focus on deterrence.
The Wen case blends both trends: a social-media-motivated breach and a judicial system intent on signalling the limits of tolerated behaviour.
Prosecution push
Deputy Public Prosecutor Jane Lim sought a week’s jail, arguing Wen was a “serial intruder” whose past behaviour and online posts showed a lack of remorse, CNA reported.
Although Wen had no prior record in Singapore, his history abroad, she argued, demonstrated the need for a sentence strong enough to compel change.
In mitigation, Wen said: “I won’t do it again, your honour.”
Judge Christopher Goh pressed him on whether this was sincere, and Wen claimed he intended to stop.
Sentencing analysis
Judge Goh said Wen appeared to assume his actions would again carry no consequences, CNA reported from the hearing.
While no one was harmed, the judge warned that breaching a security cordon can spark panic in crowded settings.
Calling the conduct deliberate and aimed at drawing attention, he imposed nine days in jail — a slight increase over the prosecution’s request — saying he hoped the sentence would end such behaviour “for good”.
Public-nuisance offences in Singapore carry a maximum of three months’ jail, a S$2,000 fine or both.
Sources: CNA
This article is made and published by August M, who may have used AI in the preparation
