Ariana Grande Misses Brazil’s Wicked: For Good Premiere Amid Flight Issues and Fan Backlash

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The Wicked: For Good press tour has barely begun, and it’s already stirring up major drama. Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda in the upcoming sequel, missed one of the film’s first international premieres in São Paulo, Brazil, after a series of travel complications left her grounded, and Brazilian fans are furious.

According to Grande, a last-minute safety issue forced her team to deplane before take-off. The flight was delayed for maintenance, and despite efforts from both Universal and her team to secure alternate transportation, every option — commercial or private — reportedly fell through due to timing and permit restrictions.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Grande wrote that she was “beyond devastated” to miss the event, explaining that she had worked up until the last minute on another film and had no earlier travel window. “We’ve searched every other flight, overnight, early morning, connecting flights, commercial, and also private options, and absolutely nothing was available,” she said. “Even in attempting a private option, there is a permit necessary in order to fly from here that takes time to attain.”

She added, “I am so heartbroken that I’m unable to be there with you all. We sincerely tried everything we could, and I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”

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But the apology didn’t land well with everyone. Brazilian fans, among Grande’s most passionate followers, flooded social media with criticism, some accusing her of being disrespectful, others of neglecting a fanbase that has supported her for years. A few posts even crossed the line, prompting Grande to return to Instagram to plead for calm.

“Please don’t wish danger on us,” she wrote. “We did everything we could, and I promise you no one is more upset than I am… I’ve been looking forward to this moment for a year.”

@carasbrasil

AMAMOS VER! | Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey e Jon M. Chu ao lado das apresentadoras Larissa Manoela e Jeniffer Nascimento no palco da pre... See more

Despite the controversy, the premiere went ahead with co-stars Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and director Jon M. Chu in attendance. Grande appeared virtually via a recorded message played on screen, expressing her regret and sending love to the Brazilian audience.

@basicallygrande

Ariana addresses her absence from the Wicked: For Good premiere In Brazil with a video message 😭 #arianagrande #wickedforgood #viral #fyp #zyxcba

Wicked: For Good is one of the year’s most anticipated releases and the continuation of Universal’s adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon. The film opens in U.S. theaters on November 21, following its international rollout.