An 18-year-old French student has been charged in Singapore after posting a video online that appeared to show him licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and placing it back into the dispenser.
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Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien was charged on April 24 with mischief and public nuisance following the incident at a shopping mall on March 12, according to a report by The Straits Times. He has not yet entered a plea.
The video circulated widely on social media after it surfaced online, drawing attention to the incident and prompting action from authorities.
Charges and possible penalties
Singaporean prosecutors have charged the teenager with two offences under local law.
The mischief charge carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both. The public nuisance charge is less severe and can result in up to three months’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Maximilien is currently studying at a French business school in Singapore. Lawyers representing him declined to comment when contacted about the case.
Court grants travel request
Despite the pending charges, a court granted the teenager permission to travel to the Philippines for a school trip required for his graduation.
He is scheduled to visit Manila from May 2 to May 25 before returning to Singapore. The court has ordered him to appear again on May 29 for further proceedings.
Vending machine operator responds
The juice vending machine involved in the incident is operated by IJooz.
The company said it filed a police report after the video emerged. As a precaution, it disinfected the machine and replaced all 500 straws stored inside the dispenser.
IJooz also announced plans to modify its machines to reduce the risk of similar incidents. The upgrades will include individually packaged straws and compartments that release straws only after a customer completes a purchase.
Strict public behaviour rules
Singapore is known for strict laws governing public behaviour and hygiene in the densely populated city-state.
Authorities enforce a range of regulations aimed at maintaining public cleanliness and order. These include restrictions on chewing gum sales and heavy penalties for offences such as littering and vandalism.
The case has drawn attention online, highlighting both Singapore’s strict enforcement of public conduct rules and the potential legal consequences of behaviour recorded and shared on social media.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 1 May 2026
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