Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande proved once again that real friendship shows up when it matters most. Yes, the two ‘Wicked’ co-stars have evidently been side by side throughout the film’s global rollout. But, Cynthia just opened up about a moment that reminded everyone how deep their bond really goes.
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Cynthia Talks Protecting Ariana During Scary Singapore Incident
In a new interview on the ‘Today’ show, Cynthia Erivo sat down with Savannah Guthrie to reflect on the frightening moment at the film’s Singapore premiere, where a fan suddenly pushed past barricades and invaded Ariana Grande’s personal space. Cynthia, dressed in a black turtleneck sweater, paired with a long black skirt, clear heels, and chunky jewelry, explained that her first instinct in that moment was to make sure Ariana was safe.
“I was really thinking, I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe,” Erivo shared. “I’m sure he didn’t mean us harm, but I just, you never know with those things and I wanted to make sure that she was okay. That was my first instinct.”
Roommates Had To Get Their Opinions In
You already know, fans quickly flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comments to throw in their two cents. Some said they want a friendship just like the co-stars because the way Cynthia stepped up was real sister energy. Others joked that security needs to be fired immediately because how did they not see that man run up on her like that? And plenty pointed out that Ariana is barely 5 feet tall, so of course her girl had her back — somebody had to.
One Instagram user @rlcustomfavorsllc said, “We all need friends like this“
And, Instagram user @iamelocopeland added, “So nobody gonna say nothing to the security guards?😂😂😂”
This Instagram user @rachelsaintfortmusic wrote, “At times it can be cringe but she’s definitely a great protector“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @swissmissginger shared, “Love friendships like this ❤️”
While Instagram user @lawrencesaintcloud said, “Y’all forgot Arianna softer than warm butter she need all the protection she can get“
Finally, Instagram user @jazzywitdaphatty added, “I feel bad for whoever yall friends is cause imma protect mine just like that“
When A Fan Went Too Far — And Cynthia Said “Not Today!”
In case you missed it, the Singapore premiere moment Cynthia referenced was even wilder than folks first realized. Footage from the event showed a man leaping over the barricade and sprinting straight toward Ariana. Additionally, he grabbed her by the shoulders before Cynthia—who was standing nearby—jumped in and shoved him away. Moments later, Cynthia and Michelle Yeoh were seen comforting Ariana as security dragged the man off. Furthermore, the fan was later identified as Johnson Wen, a.k.a. “Pyjama Man”—a serial clout-chaser known for crashing celebrity events from Katy Perry to The Chainsmokers.
The fan later bragged online about the encounter, posting that he was “free after being arrested,” but authorities weren’t playing: he was charged with being a public nuisance and sentenced to nine days in jail. The moment struck a deeper nerve for many fans, especially given Ariana’s history with PTSD following the tragic 2017 Manchester bombing that took 22 lives.
