Ariana Grande is looking for some compassion after she was forced to cancel her trip to Brazil for the São Paulo premiere of Wicked: For Good, something she says has led upset fans to wish “danger” upon her and her team.
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In a heartfelt Instagram Story post on Tuesday (Nov. 4), the pop star began by writing, “i can’t believe this is happening and i am beyond devastated to be sending this message.”
“a few hours ago, my team and i had to deplane our flight, as they had to do maintenance on the plane due to a safety issue and it will not be taking off until 11am tomorrow which means that i would not be making it in time for the Wicked For Good São Paulo premiere,” she continued. “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.”
Grande also added in her message that she and her team had explored both commercial and private overnight flights that could get her to the event on time, but to no avail. Even so, some disappointed attendees apparently took their frustration out by wishing “danger” on the actress, who followed up with another post a few hours later.
“please don’t wish danger on us,” she pleaded. “we did everything we could and i promise you no one is more upset than i am … no matter how upset or disappointed you are, please please do not wish danger on us or assume that we didn’t try.”
The Grammy winner went on to explain that she hadn’t been able to fly to Brazil any sooner than what was planned, as she’d been filming a movie — Focker-in-Law — through Oct. 31 and had work engagements on the first and second days of November.
“i have been looking forward to this moment for a year,” she concluded. “i love Brazil, i always have, i always will.”
The event in São Paulo will mark the first official international premiere of the Wicked sequel, which hits theaters worldwide Nov. 21. The next major early screenings are set for Nov. 7 in Paris, Nov. 10 in London and Nov. 13 in Singapore.
The Wicked team also has a concert special in store for fans ahead of Part 2’s release, which comes almost exactly a year after the first movie premiered, setting box-office records. Featuring live performances of the musical’s score by Grande and co-leading lady Cynthia Erivo, Wicked: One Wonderful Night will arrive on NBC and Peacock on Nov. 6.
