Imagine being surrounded by fans, only to have one cross the line in a terrifying way. That’s exactly what happened to Ariana Grande at the ‘Wicked: For Good’ red carpet event in Singapore. In a scene that’s now gone viral, a fan breached security, rushed toward Grande, and aggressively embraced her, leaving everyone stunned. But here’s where it gets even more intense: Cynthia Erivo was the first to react, swiftly stepping in to shove the fan away and shield her co-star. Their fellow cast member, Michelle Yeoh, also rushed to comfort Grande in the chaotic aftermath.
Grande appeared visibly shaken, and it’s no wonder—this incident comes at a time when high-profile individuals are increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable attacks. And this is the part most people miss: the fan’s behavior, while seemingly impulsive, could easily be classified as assault in many jurisdictions. Grande had no way of knowing his intentions, and his grinning demeanor only added to the unease. Was this a harmless act of fandom gone wrong, or something more sinister? We’ll let you decide.
The incident also raises questions about security protocols. How did the fan breach the line so easily? And why did it take so long for security to respond, allowing Erivo to act first? As one fan pointed out, ‘Cynthia had faster reflexes than the entire security team!’ Is this a sign of larger security gaps in high-profile events?
This isn’t the first time Grande has faced a traumatic situation. In 2017, a devastating terrorist attack outside her concert in Manchester, England, claimed 22 lives. Earlier this year, Grande opened up on the THR Awards Chatter podcast about her struggle with PTSD, grief, and anxiety following the tragedy. ‘Music was a lifeline,’ she shared. ‘It brought light to some of my darkest moments.’ Her resilience is inspiring, but moments like these on the red carpet serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities celebrities face.
Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel directed by Jon M. Chu, has already made waves. The first installment of the Wicked films earned critical acclaim and raked in over $750 million globally. The success was so monumental that both Erivo and Grande earned Academy Award nominations—Erivo for Best Actress and Grande for Best Supporting Actress—at the 2025 Oscars. The film also secured a Best Picture nod. With the sequel set to hit theaters on November 21, projections suggest a massive $115 to $125 million opening weekend at the Thanksgiving box office.
But back to the red carpet incident: What does this say about the line between fandom and intrusion? Should celebrities expect more from their security teams? And how can we better protect public figures without stifling genuine fan interactions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that’s far from over.