A tense moment unfolded at the Asia Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good in Singapore when actress Cynthia Erivo intervened to shield her co-star Ariana Grande from an unexpected carpet crasher.

The event, hosted at the Marina Bay Sands waterfront, was filled with fans and global press when the incident quickly shifted the tone from celebratory to chaotic.

According to witnesses at the premiere, Grande was posing for photographs along the “yellow carpet” when a man suddenly rushed past security and wrapped his arms around her. Video shared online shows Grande startled as the individual clung to her, leaving the singer momentarily frozen. Before security could fully step in, Cynthia Erivo acted first, pulling the man away and placing herself between Grande and the intruder.

Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film, was praised by attendees for her immediate reaction. Onlookers reported that she remained calm as she held the man back until security escorted him away. Grande, who appeared visibly shaken at first, continued with press interviews shortly after the situation was resolved.

Fans around the world have responded with gratitude toward Erivo, thanking the actress for her instinctive protective effort. Social media posts described her as “a real life Glinda and Elphaba combined” and “a guardian angel on the carpet.” Many also expressed concern over how easily the man reached Grande before security intervened.

This incident has reignited conversations about the safety protocols in place at major entertainment events. With fan enthusiasm running high for the long-awaited Wicked film adaptation, the premiere drew large crowds, which may have contributed to gaps in perimeter control. Industry professionals have pointed out that even well-staffed events can experience breaches when emotions run high and fans attempt to get close to celebrities.

Neither Grande nor Erivo has released an official statement, although Grande was seen thanking Erivo privately in a brief clip shared by a fan account. The film’s producers have not commented on whether security measures will be increased at upcoming promotional stops.

Despite the momentary scare, the premiere continued successfully, and both stars remained present for the remainder of the night. The incident served as a stark reminder that even in glamorous settings, safety remains a top priority.