Cynthia Erivo is finally speaking out about the frightening moment that shook the “Wicked: For Good” premiere in Singapore — a moment that left fans stunned, security scrambling, and Ariana Grande visibly shaken. While the cast has kept mostly silent since the incident, Erivo broke her silence during a Screen Actors Guild screening over the weekend, offering insight into what she and Grande had endured together and how the ordeal strengthened an already powerful bond.

Without mentioning the incident directly, Erivo alluded to an extremely difficult week — one that clearly included the moment a man jumped a barricade and lunged toward Grande during the film’s world tour stop. The star’s words were emotional, unwavering, and filled with gratitude for those who had surrounded her on this ambitious film journey.

“We’ve been through some real challenges together,” Erivo said, choosing her phrasing carefully. “This movie has helped us grow as people, as friends, as sisters, as artists.” As she spoke, Grande reportedly wiped away tears, overwhelmed by her co-star’s heartfelt reflection.

Erivo’s remarks were less about the terror of the incident and more about the resilience, connection, and emotional depth that developed between them as they filmed one of the most anticipated movie musicals in recent memory.

A Dangerous Moment on the Red Carpet

On a warm Singapore evening, with hundreds of fans gathered for the glamorous “Wicked: For Good” premiere, the unexpected unfolded. As Grande greeted supporters, a man—later identified as Johnson Wen—suddenly pushed past the barricades and charged at her. The moment was quick, chaotic, and deeply alarming.

Before security could intervene, Erivo instinctively moved toward Grande, placing herself between her co-star and the intruder. Witnesses said the actress reacted faster than multiple guards on the scene, guiding Grande back toward safety with swift precision.

Her response went viral almost instantly, praised as protective, fearless, and profoundly loyal.

Security took Wen into custody on site. Although he later claimed online that he was “free,” officials confirmed he received a nine-day jail sentence for public disturbance.

Grande said nothing publicly about the incident, choosing instead to post a calm, gracious “thank you, Singapore” recap in the days that followed.

But the silence did not diminish the seriousness of what happened—or the closeness that the ordeal appeared to reinforce.

Erivo Breaks Her Silence: “We’ve Really Been Through Some Things”

At the SAG screening, Erivo addressed the cast, crew, and audience in a tone that was both tender and resolute.

“We’ve had to deal with challenges—real challenges,” she said. “This past week especially.”

Though she avoided graphic details or direct references, the implication was unmistakable.

“This film brought us together in a way I didn’t expect,” she continued. “We’ve had to lean on each other, to take care of each other, to listen and to grow. That is rare. You don’t often earn a family like this.”

Grande, sitting beside her, appeared emotional, absorbing Erivo’s words as the room listened in reverent silence.

Erivo went on to praise the cast for the emotional vulnerability they brought to their roles — vulnerability that spilled into their offscreen relationships as well.

“We were brave enough to look inward, to uncover things about ourselves that made us better performers and better people,” she said. “Sometimes that means confronting things you’ve been avoiding. But we did that work together.”

Her message was clear: “Wicked” had become more than a film for its cast. It had become a place where real friendships took root, where challenges—both expected and unexpected—were met with unity.

A Bond That Started on Set and Strengthened Over Time

Erivo and Grande’s connection has been evident since filming began. Playing Elphaba and Glinda—two characters whose paths intertwine in complex, emotional ways—the actresses were inevitably set up for a deep working relationship.

But the two went further than that.

In an interview with Elle last year, Erivo described Grande as “like a sister,” praising her kindness, dedication, and sincerity. She recalled late-night conversations, shared fears, difficult scenes, and moments of pure joy.

“It wasn’t always easy,” she said in 2024. “But that’s how meaningful relationships form. You talk honestly, you show up for each other, you grow together.”

The Singapore incident seems to have reinforced that bond in ways neither could have predicted.

The Aftermath of the Ambush

Although the alarming moment was captured by dozens of cameras, both Erivo and Grande have chosen not to publicly relive it in detail. Grande has stayed quiet, speaking only through gratitude posts thanking fans and celebrating the tour.

For her part, Erivo focused on healing rather than recalling the fear.

Industry insiders say Grande was “shaken but composed” after the ambush, relying heavily on Erivo and other cast members in the hours that followed. Their support, according to those present, became a stabilizing force as the tour continued.

Wen, the man behind the rush, has a known pattern of approaching celebrities aggressively and had confronted others in the past. Singaporean authorities took the matter seriously, swiftly sentencing him for public disturbance. Officials ensured the incident would not repeat during the remainder of the “Wicked” events in the region.

Why Erivo’s Response Resonated So Strongly

In an era where celebrity security is often under scrutiny, Erivo’s instinctive action struck a deep chord with fans and industry observers. Her response highlighted several things:

1. Genuine connection

This was not mere workplace camaraderie — it was real friendship.

2. Trust and loyalty

Erivo’s reaction was immediate and unhindered by hesitation.

3. Leadership under pressure

While trained security paused, Erivo moved.

4. Humanity

The gesture reminded people that emotional and physical protection often comes not just from professionals, but from those who care.

The “Wicked” Journey: More Than Just a Film

As the film edges toward its highly anticipated release, stories from the set describe a cast bonded by long days, complex musical staging, and some of the most demanding character arcs in the canon of modern movie musicals.

Erivo spoke passionately about how the cast had grown into a family.

“You don’t get a group of people this close very often,” she said. “It’s a rare experience. I am desperately grateful.”

Grande, according to those in attendance, embraced her co-star as Erivo concluded her remarks—an unscripted moment that reaffirmed everything “Wicked” fans hope the cast feels behind the scenes.

Looking Ahead: Healing, Excitement, and a Film Poised to Break Records

With the Singapore premiere behind them and with increased security adjustments in place, the “Wicked: For Good” team continues its global tour. The cast remains tightly knit, and insiders say morale is strong—and that the Singapore incident, while frightening, reinforced the unity that has defined this production.

Grande and Erivo’s friendship is now one of the most talked-about elements of the film’s publicity cycle, with fans celebrating the bond between the two leading ladies.

The emotional depth of their offscreen connection is expected to elevate their on-screen chemistry even further—especially in a story where friendship, loyalty, and transformation are central.

A Moment of Danger, A Story of Sisterhood

In the end, Erivo’s reflections show that the “Wicked” experience—its triumphs, its challenges, and its unexpected crises—has forged something stronger than a cast list.

It created a family.

A family that protects each other.
A family that celebrates together.
A family that grows together.

Erivo’s voice trembled with gratitude as she said it best:

“You don’t earn family like this often. And we did.”