The Oscar nominees were walking down a yellow brick road-inspired carpet, holding hands with co-star Michelle Yeoh and posing for fans, when a man screamed and hopped the barricade, according to fan footage. The man then wrapped an arm around 32-year-old Grande, only for Erivo, 38, and a guard to cut in.
Erivo then encased the pop star in a protective hug at the Universal Studios Singapore event, as did Academy Award winner Yeoh, 63.
TMZ reported that the man – who was ultimately escorted out by security, encouraged by other fans’ booing – is likely the self-proclaimed “troll” known as Pyjama Man, who posted a 10-second clip of the interaction on TikTok.
Grande is not the first to find herself in the viral clutches of Pyjama Man’s stunts, which tend to involve barging on to a stage, much to the shock of unsuspecting performers, which have included the Weeknd and the Chainsmokers.