A French student was fined $465 in Singapore after pleading guilty to a public nuisance charge for licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and returning it. The 19-year-old, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, admitted to recording the act for his online followers, a social media stunt that occurred in March at a shopping mall.
Maximilien was charged in April after the video gained rapid circulation. He pleaded guilty on July 30, 2026, in Singapore's State Courts. While another charge of mischief was considered during sentencing, the court imposed the fine without ordering a community-based sentence. Prosecutors had sought the maximum fine of $1,551, arguing the stunt risked undermining public confidence in the hygiene of vending machines. They noted, however, that Maximilien retrieved the straw himself, no member of the public used it, and there was no evidence of harm.
His defense counsel stated that Maximilien, who studies business in Singapore, expressed deep remorse. The lawyer added that the student removed the contaminated straw himself to use for his own drink, and it was never intended for another consumer. Maximilien is studying in Singapore but is scheduled to be in France for part of his studies from September to December. Immigration authorities will determine if he can retain his student pass.
The company operating the vending machine, IJooz, filed a police report and subsequently sanitized the dispenser, replacing all 500 straws. The company indicated plans to upgrade its machines with features like individually packaged straws and secured compartments.
Singapore maintains strict regulations on public behavior and cleanliness, with significant penalties for offenses like littering and vandalism. The public nuisance charge carries a potential penalty of up to three months in prison.