Cynthia Erivo has opened up about the moment she stepped in to protect Ariana Grande from a crazed fan. Ariana was accosted at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good last Thursday. The self-described “troll” has since been arrested and given a jail sentence.
Cynthia Erivo says she was making sure her “friend was safe” during the moment with Ariana Grande
Speaking on the Today show today, Cynthia explained her immediate decision to jump in and defend her close pal. She said: “I was really thinking, I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe. 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,” reports People.
In case you missed it – the Wicked 2 co-stars were posing for photos at the Singapore premiere on November 13 when a man from the crowd grabbed Ariana. In videos posted online, he can be seen jumping the barrier and running straight towards Ariana, before putting his arm around her. Cynthia rushed to separate the man, while Ariana can be seen looking shaken.
The man involved in the scuffle is a self-described “troll” who goes by the moniker Pyjama Man. He has performed several other “pranks,” including invading the stage at Katy Perry and The Chainsmokers shows.
He posted his own video of the clip online, thanking Ariana for “letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You.” Understandably, people were quick to point out in the comments that his version of events was far from reality.
One commenter wrote: “Dude this is is not okay. Look how badly you scared her! You put hands on her. I sincerely hope you charged with something and banned from events.”
Another added: “She didn’t jump with you. You assaulted her. You intimidated her and you demonstrated the kind of person that you are.”
He was arrested after the incident and sentenced to nine days in jail, as per The New York Times.
TELL US – WILL JAIL TIME STOP THIS TROLL FROM CARRYING OUT MORE “PRANKS”?
