SINGAPORE—In a decisive move to protect both celebrities and the reputation of arcade games everywhere, Singaporean authorities this week issued an indefinite ban to local man Desmond Chew, after he attempted to extract singer-actress Ariana Grande from her own red carpet event, reportedly under the impression she was the night’s grand prize.

Security footage obtained from the ‘Eternal Stage: The Ariana Grande Experience’ premiere shows Chew, 36, navigating the velvet ropes with the determined gait of someone who has just inserted $2 into a giant claw machine. Witnesses allege Chew stretched his arm toward the visibly startled pop icon while exclaiming, “I never win these things, let me have this one!”

“Frankly, we’re just relieved he didn’t try to grab the cardboard cutouts too,” event organizer Tina Low told reporters, gesturing to a stack of flattened Grandes in the foyer. Low confirmed that Grande declined to comment on the incident, though she did request her next event be ‘less interactive.’

Singapore’s Ministry of Celebrity Safety has since installed new signage at public events, clearly noting that ‘All Guests Are Real, Do Not Attempt Collection.’ “We value the safety of all international stars and remind visitors that Ariana Grandes are not distributed at public gatherings,” said ministry spokesperson Lionel Peh. “Not even mini ones.”

For his part, Chew remains remorseful, telling police, “Look, I thought there would at least be a stuffed Pikachu.”