Pop superstar Ariana Grande recently faced another unsettling reminder of the risks high-profile performers can face after a man who previously rushed her on the red carpet in Singapore was kicked out of a Lady Gaga concert in Australia.
The individual, Australian influencer Johnson Wen, known online as “Pyjama Man,” made headlines earlier this year when he breached security at the Singapore premiere of Grande’s new film, Wicked: For Good. Footage from the premiere shows Wen jumping the barricade and lunging at Grande, grabbing her arm as she tried to pull away. In a tense moment, her co-star, Cynthia Erivo, quickly intervened, physically placing herself between Wen and Grande. The singer appeared visibly shaken, though unharmed, as security swiftly removed the man from the yellow-carpet area.
@dailymailau Who is 'Pyjama Man'? Australian who charged at Ariana Grande on red carpet at Wicked premiere in Singapore is revealed #arianagrande #wicked #katyperry #fyp #australia ♬ original sound - Daily Mail Australia
Social media quickly circulated clips of the incident, prompting widespread concern among fans worldwide. Many fans recalled the tragic 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, underscoring the lasting impact such breaches can have on performer wellbeing and mental health. The Singapore incident renewed questions about the security measures at high-profile premieres and the safety of performers navigating global promotional schedules.
Fast forward to a recent Lady Gaga concert at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, and Wen once again found himself removed from a major event. According to Consequence, the influencer managed to gain early VIP entry to Gaga’s show but was quickly spotted by security. Footage uploaded by a social media user shows Wen being escorted from the venue, with a caption identifying him as the same man who had previously lunged at Ariana Grande.
Wen later posted about the incident on Instagram Stories, writing: “Got kicked out of Lady Gaga concert! The show doesn’t start till 8pm! The early fans were booing me,” alongside a pair of laughing-face emojis. The post highlights a troubling pattern of behaviour by Wen, who has repeatedly disrupted concerts, premieres, and other major events, putting both performers and fans at risk.
For Grande, the Singapore red carpet incident was more than just a shocking moment—it served as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by international stars. Between the physical and psychological pressures of live appearances and promotional events, such encounters can exacerbate the anxiety that Grande has openly discussed in the past. Her team, alongside event organisers, now faces increased scrutiny over how such breaches are prevented, particularly at premieres, concerts, and fan-facing events across the globe.
The removal of Wen from Lady Gaga’s concert offers a small measure of reassurance that security teams are vigilant, but it also underscores the ongoing challenges of managing high-profile events in the era of viral social media.
Ultimately, the incidents highlight a broader issue within the entertainment industry: the vulnerability of performers at public events, the unpredictability of disruptive fans, and the responsibility of organisers to maintain safe spaces.
