Singer-actor Darren Espanto reacted to an Australian content creator who posted a video breaching security and ambushing “Wicked” star Ariana Grande at a yellow carpet premiere.
The Pinoy celebrity was among those who met the “Wicked” stars in person in Singapore during the Asia premiere of the sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” on November 13. The yellow carpet premiere was hosted by Filipino VJs Ai Dela Cruz and Markki Stroem.
He also had the opportunity to watch an advanced screening of the fantasy musical.
But the Asia premiere was not without an incident. The content creator, Johnson Wen, was spotted breaching security by jumping over a barricade, running toward Ariana, and putting an arm around her while jumping.
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana’s co-star, quickly stepped in to defend the “eternal sunshine” singer by prying the individual away from her.
Johnson, who calls himself “Pyjama Man” online, later posted a video of the incident and thanked Ariana despite having ambushed her.
“Dear Ariana Grande, thank you for letting me jump on the yellow carpet with you,” he wrote in an Instagram Reel with a heart emoji.
The content creator also tagged Ariana’s account.
View this post on Instagram
The post has so far garnered over 5,500 likes and 19,700 comments, including one from Darren.
“You’re the reason why we get less appearances in Asia,” he commented on November 14.
Darren was referring to red carpet premieres on the continent.
His comment was liked by over 9,800 users, who agreed with him in the replies section.
“Agreee, tapos proud siya, wtf. Dapat diyan bina-ban na sa ganyang events and concerts,” another online user wrote.
“THANK YOU FOR SAYING, I’M SO SO UPSET,” a different Instagram user commented.
Reports said Johnson was sentenced to 9 days in jail on November 17 in Singapore for public nuisance.
Before the event, he posted an Instagram Story of himself saying, “That’s my best friend, Ariana Grande,” and that he had dreamed of meeting her.
Johnson was reported to have a history of disrupting high-profile events, including concerts by Katy Perry, The Chainsmokers and The Weeknd. He also reportedly ran on the field during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and attempted to invade a track event during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Meanwhile, “Wicked: For Good” is the second part of the “Wicked” movie adaptation, which picks up the story of two witches, Glinda (played by Ariana) and Elphaba (played by Cynthia), who are now estranged and left to face the consequences of their actions.
ALSO READ: ‘Wicked: For Good’ brings ‘Wicked’ two-part film series to emotional close in visual feast finale
“Wicked” is the big-screen adaptation of the hit musical of the same name.
The musical is loosely adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” which in itself is based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” and its 1939 film adaptation.
